The 2018 NBA Awards ceremony took place on June 25 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California – hosted by Anthony Anderson
Houston Rockets point guard James Harden beats out Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) to be crowned NBA’s Most Valuable Player. “We only get one life and I’m happy she’s my mom,” said Harden whose mother Monja joined him on stage as he collected his award. “I’m not getting emotional, I’m not doing all that, but she’s my backbone.” Harden recorded an average of 30.4 points per game during the 2017-2018 season.
“Shout out to all the youngins that got a dream, it’s a vision out there go take it, go chase that dream!” – @JHarden13 #MVP ⭐? pic.twitter.com/whwj5gW0et
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 26, 2018
Ben Simmons was named Rookie of the Year, Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert won the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Dwane Casey was crowned Coach of the Year after guiding the Toronto Raptors to first place in the Eastern Conference. See the 2018 NBA Awards Full List of Winners:
Most Valuable Player
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Coach of the Year
Dwane Casey, Toronto Raptors
Sixth Man Award
Lou Williams, LA Clippers
Defensive Player of the Year
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Most Improved Player
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Rookie of the Year
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Executive of the Year
Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets
Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
Jamal Crawford, Minnesota Timberwolves
Sportsmanship Award
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Lifetime Achievement Award
Oscar Robertson
Sager Strong Award
Dikembe Mutombo
Hustle Award
Amir Johnson, Philadelphia 76ers
Play of the Year
LeBron James (Clutch Shot)
Dunk of the Year
Giannis Antetokounmpo — Feb. 6 vs. Knicks
Clutch Shot of the Year
LeBron James — Feb. 7 vs. Timberwolves
Assist of the Year
LeBron James — March 11 vs. Lakers
Block of the Year
Anthony Davis — March 11 vs. Jazz
Handle of the Year
Kyrie Irving — Oct. 26 vs. Bucks
