Houston Rockets roasted for Tweet arguing that James Harden should have won MVP just minutes after it was given to Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bob Levey/Getty Images

James Harden's campaign to repeat as NBA MVP fell short on Monday night, and the Houston Rockets did not take the news well on Twitter.

• Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo was named NBA MVP on Monday night, beating out Houston Rockets superstar James Harden.
• After Antetokounmpo won the award, the Rockets awkwardly made the case on Twitter that Harden was the one deserving of the recognition.
• NBA fans were quick to roast the Rockets for what they perceived as poor sportsmanship and "salt."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

On Monday night, the race for NBA MVP came to a close, with Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo taking home the hardware over Houston Rockets superstar James Harden.

Read more: The 17 biggest questions facing teams as we head into what could be the wildest NBA summer of free agency in years

It was a choice that few could argue with - Antetokounmpo finished the seasons averaging almost 28 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists per game, all while also serving as the centerpiece of the Bucks defense.

But while the basketball world celebrated Antetokounmpo's coronation, the Rockets, instead, awkwardly argued Harden's case on Twitter.

While Harden does check off every mark on the arbitrary list they decided warrants MVP consideration, the tweets came off as forced, tone-deaf, and embarrassing. Had the account simply left things at "we respectfully disagree," the post would have read as standard NBA Twitter fare, even a bit cute.

But that sentiment "respectful disagreement" is immediately undercut when you follow it up with a resume for Harden's credentials over Antetokounmpo.

On Twitter, fans were quick to roast the Rockets for their perceived slight against the new MVP.

Harden and Giannis are both great players that had phenomenal seasons, but in the end, Antetokounmpo earned 78 first-place votes while Harden received 23.

Now that the awards have been distributed, the 2019 season is officially in the books, and NBA free agency can finally begin.

• Read more from Tyler Lauletta:
• The 17 biggest questions facing teams as we head into what could be the wildest NBA summer of free agency in years
• An NBA prospect's draft party erupted when he was picked just as everybody appeared to be giving up hope
• There's a budding rap battle between 2 NBA stars, and other players are taking sides
• An eyebrow-raising $10,000 bet was placed on the Lakers just minutes before the team traded for Anthony Davis
• Kawhi Leonard made fun of his awkward laugh while celebrating at the Raptors' championship parade