The 2018 NBA Awards show was live at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
TNT is aired the event in the States and Canadian viewers watched on NBA TV Canada. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny "the Jet" Smith and Ernie Johnson were on hand to lend their always entertaining analysis.
Actor and Comedian Anthony Anderson hosted this year and hip-hop star Travis Scott performed. Scott who is a diehard Houston Rockets fan is scheduled to release his next album " AstroWorld " later this year.
This year's recipient of the Sager Strong Award was Hall of Famer and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo.
"I'm so glad to be able to wear this unique jacket to celebrate his memory." - @officialmutombo after receiving the 2017-2018 Sager Strong Award #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/eQAazqlL7g
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 26, 2018
The NBA debuted the Awards show last year from New York City with Canadian hip-hop star Drake hosting the event . 2 Chainz and Nicki Minaj performed live on stage at Basketball City at Pier 36.
Check out the winners for the major awards.
Rookie of the Year - Ben Simmons
The 76ers oversized point guard takes home the hardware, defeating Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Most Improved Player - Victor Oladipo
Oladipo became an all-star in 2017-18 leading the Pacers back to the playoffs.
Nominees: Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers) Clint Capela (Houston Rockets) Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets)
Sixth Man - Lou Williams
Willams takes home his second sixth man award.
The 2017-2018 #KiaSixth is… @TeamLou23! #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/XoiFHoj5yY
— NBA (@NBA) June 26, 2018
Lou Williams (Los Angeles Clippers) Eric Gordon (Houston Rockets) Fred Van Vleet (Toronto Raptors)
Coach of the Year - Dwane Casey
Casey takes home the award after leading the Raptors to their best record in franchise history.
Nominees: Dwane Casey (Toronto Raptors) Brad Stevens (Boston Celtics) Quin Snyder (Utah Jazz)
Defensive Player of the Year - Rudy Gobert
Gobert the anchor for one of the league's best defensive teams.
Nominees: Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)
MVP - James Harden
Harden beat out LeBron James and Anthony Davis to claim his 1st MVP award.
"Sixth Man of the Year to MVP. Go chase that dream." - @JHarden13 after being named the 2017-2018 #KiaMVP #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/Y2Igpl9RaL
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 26, 2018
Nominees: Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans) James Harden (Houston Rockets) LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Here is the full list of award winners
Most Valuable Player: James Harden, Rockets
Coach of the Year: Dwane Casey, Raptors
Kia Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons, 76ers
Most Improved Player: Victor Oladipo, Pacers
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams, Clippers
NBA Cares Community Assist Award: Kevin Durant, Warriors
Teammate of the Year Award: Jamal Crawford, Timberwolves
Hustle Award: Amir Johnson, 76ers
Assist of the Year: LeBron James, Cavaliers
Block of the Year: Anthony Davis, Pelicans
Clutch Shot of the Year: LeBron James, Cavaliers
Dunk of the Year: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Handle of the Year: Kyrie Irving, Celtics
Play of the Year: LeBron James, Cavaliers
NBA Live Cover Boy: Joel Embiid, 76ers
Executive of the Year: Daryl Morey, Rockets
Sager Strong Award: Dikembe Mutombo, Hall of Fame
How to Watch
What : 2018 NBA Awards Show
When : Monday, June 25, 9 p.m. ET
Where : Barker Hangar , Santa Monica California
Canadian TV : NBATV Canada
Live stream : TBA
