All 22 teams have completed their 8 regular season seeding games so I thought it would be fun to discuss the typical end of season awards just based on how everyone did in the bubble.
MVP:
Damian Lillard.
Entering the bubble Portland had a lot of pressure on themselves to make it to the playoff play in game and after going 6-2 they successfully made up 4 games on Memphis and now look overwhelming favourites to beat the Grizzlies in this winner takes all game. (Portland need 1 win, Memphis need 2 wins). Leading this team as usual was Damian Lillard, averaging an insane 37-9 on nearly 50/40/90 over this 8 game stretch. He had a number of great performances including back to back 5o point games (scoring 51 then 61) and in a must win game dropped 42 in a 1 point win against the Nets. Portland needed every single one of Dame's points and despite him missing 2 crucial free throws late against the Clippers it ultimately did not affect Portland's seeding.
Honourable mentions: Devin Booker, James Harden, Luka Doncic, TJ Warren
ROTB:
Michael Porter Jr.
Coming into the bubble MPJ wasn't even averaging 10 & 5, during the bubble he excelled and averaged 22-8. His 3 highest scoring games this season occurred in the bubble over a 4 day period where he meshed well with Nikola Jokic.
Til this day (*Deontay Wilder meme*) I don't understand why he fell to 14th. I know he was injured but a player of his calibre and potential is worth the risk. His game is so smooth and on his career night of 12-16 shooting he looked like a veteran out there. Right now Jokic and Murray are clearly the best players on the Nuggets but as MPJ continues to get game time, especially valuable minutes in the playoff he could find himself as the 1st option, especially with Jokic's willingness and capability to pass.
Honourable mention: Ja Morant
COTB:
Monty Williams.
The Phoenix Suns were arguably the laughing stock of the bubble, 6 games behind the 8th placed Grizzlies seemed like impossible ground to make up especially when teams above them (Spurs, Kings & Pelicans) had easier schedules.
But against all the odds, they were the only team to finish 8-0 and were really unlucky to miss out on the playoffs. Coach Williams had 7 of his guys averaged over 10 ppg, including 30ppg from D Book, a rejuvenated Cam Payne who seemed to excel in his new role and some solid performances from Mikal Bridges. I think Phoenix can really build on this and will only get stronger and deeper once Kelly Oubre and Aaron Baynes come back.
Honourable mentions: Nick Nurse, Nate McMillan
MIP:
TJ Warren.
Gary Trent has been a bubble sensation, giving Portland some great offense off the bench. He gives another dimension to their side where either Dame will have a great shooter alongside him or a seemingly certified bucket getter when Dame goes to the bench. Pretty much doubling his points over this 8 game span, shooting over 50&=% from 3, Gary Trent excelled as a microwave off the bench.d finish.
Honourable mentions: Kristaps Porzingis, Gary Trent Jr
DPOB:
Robert Covington.
RoCo is a perfect fit for this Rockets team, a menace on the defensive end tasked with defending all 5 positions. He was the only player in the top 10 for spg & bpg and his standout play in the bubble, although an offensive rebound against Dallas was a great show of his hustle and defence.
6MOB:
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent has been a bubble sensation, giving Portland some great offense off the bench. He gives another dimension to their side where either Dame will have a great shooter alongside him or a seemingly cerfitied bucket getter when Dame goes to the bench. Pretty much doubling his points over this 8 game span, shooting over 50&=% from 3, Gary Trent excelled as a microwave off the bench.
Honourable mentions: Austin Rivers
