At 7:00 p.m. on May 4, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks was about to take place at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
In this era, every player longed to defeat Goodwin, and Carmelo Anthony—who had averaged a scorching 37.9 points in the first round of the series—became the first shot fired by the many members of the "Avengers."
There was no ceremony before the game.
Because no Boston Celtics player had won any awards this season.
Yesterday, the NBA officially announced the award winners for the 2013-2014 NBA regular season:
This season's MVP: Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who averaged a blistering 30.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.3 steals this season.
He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the second-best record despite Russell Westbrook's absence. It was a well-deserved honor!
This season's Defensive Player of the Year: Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls, who averaged 12.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks this season.
Under Joakim Noah's leadership, the Chicago Bulls allowed only 91.8 points per game this season.
This season's Coach of the Year: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. Under Gregg Popovich's leadership, the San Antonio Spurs went 62-20 and claimed the best record in the West.
This season's Most Improved Player: Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns, who averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.4 steals this season.
This season's Sixth Man of the Year: Jamal Crawford of the Los Angeles Clippers, who averaged 18.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this season.
This season's Rookie of the Year: Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers, who averaged 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.
This season's All-NBA Teams.
First Team: Chris Paul,