Chapter 428: Chapter 340: Winning the Regular Season MVP!!
Overall, the Nuggets and Grizzlies didn’t play intensely, neither team really ignited fireworks, and thus they couldn’t form a rivalry.
Generally speaking, rivals are those teams that wish to crush each other when they meet or have been eliminated by each other for consecutive years.
This series concluded the fastest in the entire league.
At the moment the Nuggets secured a spot in the next round, Nuggets fans were thrilled; after a whole year, they finally won another series.
Of course, a bigger surprise than advancing followed.
The awards for the 2016-17 season began to roll out, and domestic media eagerly anticipated this moment.
This season’s Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to Zeng Xingyang.
Last year’s recipient of this award was Leonard. This year, Zeng Xingyang lowered opponents’ average shooting percentage by 9% on defense.
Zeng Xingyang received 113 out of 116 first-place votes, totaling 580 points, ahead of the second-place Gobert (128 points).
This season’s Rookie of the Year went to the Nuggets’ Brogdon, who averaged 10.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals, with a shooting percentage of 45.7% and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.4% (1st among rookies), true shooting percentage of 57.4% (2nd among rookies).
Several of the Nuggets’ rookies looked impressive, but Brogdon’s stats were the best.
This season’s Most Improved Player was awarded to Brother Alphabet, who averaged 22.9 points (+6.0 from the previous season), 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 52.1% and a three-point shooting percentage of 27.2%, PER of 25.4 (4th in the league).
Alphabet transitioned from a forward to a ball-handling core player, leading the Bucks to a 42-40 record. He received 92 first-place votes, totaling 543 points, ahead of second-place Jokic (204 points). This is the first time in Bucks’ history someone has won this award.
Jokic, compared to last season, showed some improvement in numbers, but not significantly, and looking at the playoffs, he wasn’t as good as last season.
Of course, the main reason was that he was dragged down by his Nuggets teammates; when teammates are strong enough, he doesn’t need to exert much effort.
The best Sixth Man was awarded to Rockets’ Round-faced Deng, Eric Gordon, who averaged 16.2 points (3rd among league substitutes), 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, with a shooting percentage of 41.0% and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.1% (246 three-pointers made, 7th in the league), clutch shooting percentage of 46.7%.
This season, Gordon was the core bench firepower for the Rockets, scoring 20+ in 32 games (1st among league substitutes).
He received 89 first-place votes, totaling 476 points, ahead of second-place Jamal Crawford (147 points).
This is the first time in his career he’s received this award. As for the best coach and general manager, naturally, they are the Nuggets’ Mike Malone and Connelly.
This season, Mike Malone broke the Lakers’ record of 33 consecutive wins and also broke the Bulls’ record of 72 wins, creating the best record in NBA history. He easily defeated Thibodeau and Popovich in the voting.
Connelly traded for Butler and selected a bunch of rookies, facilitating the Nuggets’ explosive success this new season; his contributions are beyond measure.
The Nuggets, who boast the best record, have reaped immense rewards....
Next!
The regular season MVP is announced, without any suspense.
Zeng Xingyang is unanimously selected as the regular season MVP for the 2016-17 season....
Live shows, Hupu, and Weibo exploded upon hearing the news.
This is the first time a domestic player has won this award. The NBA is the number one league globally, and this award represents the highest personal honor.
The Finals MVP might be watered down, but the season MVP isn’t.
Players who receive the MVP are the face of the league in their peak season!
Zeng Xingyang also heard about receiving this award upon returning to Denver the following day.
Although he always knew he would definitely get this award this season, Zeng Xingyang was still a bit incredulous when it was officially announced.
"Is this really the MVP?"
Zeng Xingyang sighed in the locker room, finding the regular season MVP easier to obtain than he imagined.
"Who else can get it besides you? Russell has great stats, but their record is far behind ours," Butler said.
Just like Zeng Xingyang remembered, Westbrook achieved 30+ triple-double averages. His personal stats have barely kept up with Zeng Xingyang.
But as Butler said.
The Nuggets’ team performance is outstanding.
If the Nuggets were just a regular West first seed, it would really be hard to say if this MVP was secured.
But now they are historically the regular season first!
Then Westbrook has no chance to contest.
"Zeng, congratulations. Prepare yourself this afternoon; we’ve arranged an award ceremony where you need to give a speech," the team’s PR head instructed Zeng Xingyang.
"OK!" Zeng Xingyang nodded.
Afternoon.
The award ceremony was held in the press conference hall.
The entire Nuggets team wore training uniforms in attendance, with a crowd of reporters below, including some from domestic outlets.
Soon, the official staff announced: "The regular season MVP for the 2016-17 season is — Zeng Xingyang!"
As applause thundered around him, Zeng Xingyang stood up from his seat with a smile on his face, went onto the stage, and received the MVP trophy.
This was the most important trophy of his career so far.
Zeng Xingyang changed into a suit and held the trophy high for photos...
Afterwards, the staff handed the microphone to Zeng Xingyang.
This was one of the few times Zeng Xingyang gave a speech in front of the camera.
"Thanks to my parents..."
Zeng Xingyang first thanked his parents for giving him the ability to play basketball and expressed gratitude to the NBA officials, Nuggets management, coaching staff, and teammates.
"You push me every day to keep working hard, play with passion, and practice team basketball."
"You keep reminding me of the team’s goals."
Zeng Xingyang left the emotional peak of his speech for his mother, recalling his mother’s hard work during his childhood: "Every day, my mom would first prepare breakfast early, then call me to get up, and then go to work, ensuring everything was well for me. The days when I first decided to play basketball were difficult, but I adapted later because I love basketball."
"Winning this award wouldn’t be possible without the support of Denver’s fans; I love everything here."
"I’m not fighting for the city of Denver, but for Denver’s fans. Many fans even follow us during away games; you all work hard."
"Of course, also for the fans far across the Pacific Ocean, I know you’re always paying attention to me; I’ll try my hardest to win every game and let you enjoy the basketball feast I bring."
"Last year, losing in the Western Conference Finals left me unwilling, so this year, my goal is to win a championship here!"
"Actually, compared to the regular season MVP, I want Finals MVP even more!"
"I’m ready for this year’s championship, are you ready,"
Zeng Xingyang shouted his last sentence towards his teammates in the distance, and almost all teammates responded.
"Champions!"
"Champions!"
"Champions!"
The Nuggets players excitedly chimed in.
Then Zeng Xingyang smiled and stepped down, running back to the locker room with his teammates.
"Click click click!!"
How full of vigor.
Witnessing this scene, the reporters at the site couldn’t help but sigh.