“Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I’m going to make it.”—- Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is the most skilled player in the history of basketball, both mentally and physically.

No one has ever been as prolific at controlling the ball and where it goes next as Curry. If you put passing, shooting, and ball handling into one category, call it ball manipulation, he’s the best to ever do it.

On Tuesday, Stephen Curry did what LeBron James, or Magic Johnson, or Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell never did it. After a record-breaking season, he became the first player in NBA. history to be elected most valuable player by a unanimous vote.

Curry revolutionized the game this season, pouring in a record-shattering 402 3-point shots while leading the Golden State Warriors to an all-time best 73-9 record. He heralded his selection by coming back from injury on Monday night with 40 points including 17 in overtime, in a win against the Trailblazers.

All 131 voters chose him as the MVP. Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs placed second and James of the Cavaliers placed third, based on second- and third-place votes.

It’s a fitting honor for the player who turned in the best season the NBA has ever seen. Here are some reasons to back up this claim:

Curry became the first player, at any position, to average at least 30 points per game (he finished with an NBA best 30.1) while playing less than 35 minutes per game. His Warriors were so good, Curry could afford to sit out at the end of many.

Curry’s 2015-2016 “true shooting percentage” — an efficiency measure that takes into account free throws, two-pointers and three-pointers — of 67% is an all-time best for a league-leading scorer.

He’s the MVP of a team that won a league-record 73 regular season games.

Stephen Curry was somewhat laboring through his return following an extended absence after a knee injury. Sure he scored 23 points in regulation and flashed his classic flair around the rim, but he just wasn’t the same Steph Curry. He made just 2-of-13 three-point attempts during regulation, with a number of shots way off.

Then came an overtime performance for the ages.

So, what are the key characteristics of Steph Curry that makes him stand out from rest of the crowd? Selfless, humble, hardworking, determined, and a family man. Having the physical and mental toughness to rise above everyone and succeed.

Curry believes that basketball mental toughness is the key to the team playing above a level that many would expect. “It’s all about mental toughness to get the job done, no matter what it takes… Finding that mental edge is how you get it done. We can’t rely on sheer size and strength. We’ve got to out-work people, we’ve got to be more physical and just have a commitment to play bigger than we might be on the floor.”

“It’s no easy task,” Curry said. “You have to push yourself and find what it is that motivates you and hold on to it every single day. People thought I might not be back on this stage. But I tried to push myself and achieve what people thought I might not be able to achieve.”

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