Pacers' Victor Oladipo gifts new car to domestic violence survivor

Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Victor Oladipo won a car for winning the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. He gifted it to a domestic violence survivor during the Indiana Pacers' latest win.

The Pacers superstar averaged a career-best 23.1 points per game last season. He also posted 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a league-high 2.4 steals per bout during his 2017 campaign. The All-Star outburst led to Oladipo being handed the hardware, as well as the keys to a silver Kia Sportage.

Oladipo handed the keys over to Renita Hills on Sunday during an intermission before the Pacers beat the Washington Wizards 105-89 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The car has a base price of about $24,000.

Hills also works with the Julian Center, an Indianapolis organization supporting domestic violence survivors.

Oladipo broke the news from the big screen at the arena, while Hills was on the court. Pacers mascot Boomer the Panther put the keys in her hand after Oladipo's short message.

"I've heard part of your story and I think you are an inspiration to so many people," Oladipo said. "And you're a survivor. I love giving back to the community of Indianapolis, so surprise! This car is actually for you."

Oladipo also met up with Hills after the game.

Hills was crying tears of joy after receiving the early Christmas gift from Oladipo and Boomer, who was dressed in a Santa Claus suit.

Oladipo, 26, is averaging 20.2 points, 5.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game this season for Indiana. The sixth-year guard scored 12 points and had nine assists, six rebounds and three steals against the Wizards. Oladipo is under contract through the 2020-21 season at $21 million annually.