PHOENIX, May 7 (UPI) -- Point guard Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns Sunday was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the second year in row.
Nash, a first-round draft pick by the Suns in 1995 out of Santa Clara, had per game averages of 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 10.5 assists while playing more than 35 minutes per contest. He had 57 first-place votes for 924 points.
Cleveland guard LeBron James finished second with 16-first place votes and 688 points. Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki was third with 14-first place votes and 544 points.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant had 22-first place votes and 483 points. Detroit guard Chauncey Billups was fifth.
Nash, who helped the Suns win 54 games and a second straight Pacific Division title, is just the ninth player to earn back-to-back MVP awards.
Among others are Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
