Game on! NBA reveals finalists for the end-of-season awards
Photo credit: NBA/Twitter
This year’s 72-game regular season is officially off the books which means it’s time to give kudos to the NBA players who stood out from the pack.
That’s right, it’s time for another round of spirited debates as to which player deserves which award. (Ang pikon, talo!)
To help narrow down our choices, the NBA released its official list of the Top 3 finalists for each award.
Photo credit: NBA/Twitter
Most Valuable Player of the Year
Who’s the real MVP? We really don’t have a clear-cut winner but these three players definitely rose to the occasion the most. Proving that the center position is still not dead in today’s era, big men Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic are both frontrunners for Most Valuable Player.
Standing in their way is the underdog Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who will be looking to add a third MVP in his trophy case at home.
READ: Stephen Curry believes that he can be MVP this season
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Rookie of the Year
The Rookie of the Year race is also as tight as ever! Many believe that Charlotte Hornets phenom LaMelo Ball is still the best first year player this season, despite missing some time due to injury.
READ: LaMelo vs. Lonzo! These brothers take their sibling rivalry to new heights
However, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is giving him a run for his money after a spectacular second half of the campaign. Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton is also a worthy contender for the award.
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Sixth Man of the Year
When it comes to the 6MOY award, lalayo ba pa tayo? For sure, Pinoy basketball fans will be rooting for Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson to win. (If he doesn’t, we riot. Kidding!)
READ: Why Jordan Clarkson should win the Sixth Man of the Year award
He is going up against his Jazz teammate Joe Ingles and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose for the honor of being named the league’s best reserve.
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Defensive Player of the Year
Speaking of Jazz players, two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert is favored to take on the award again this year. However, former DPOY winner Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors does have a strong case himself. Fans shouldn’t count out Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers either!
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Most Improved Player of the Year
The Most Improved Player award is a testament to surviving the ups and downs of an athlete’s journey. This season also has some strong candidates with New York Knicks All-Star Julius Randle as the clear winner in a lot of peoples’ eyes. Meanwhile, Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. also both took their games to the next level this season.
Photo credit: NBA/Twitter
NBA Coach of the Year
Lastly, the title for best bench boss this season has three deserving finalists: Shot callers Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz’s Quin Snyder, and former Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks are all considered.
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