LeBron James missed out on his fifth MVP award on Monday night as Houston Rockets guard James Harden scooped the honour.But the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar wasn't left empty-handed as he secured the 2017-18 Play of the Year.He won the prize thanks to his incredible game-winning buzzer-beater against the Minnesota Timberwolves in an epic overtime clash in the regular season.This was one of a handful of awards voted for by the fans, with some select media members providing the voting on the others.
Clutch gene
LeBron's shot was already named as the Clutch Shot of the Year and it beat off competition from some extraordinary plays.
Also in the running was Giannis Antetokounmpo's Dunk of the Year, the Block of the Year by Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving's Handle of the Year.
James was nominated twice as his fancy Assist of the Year to teammate Ante Zizic against the Los Angeles Lakers was also in the running.
His clutch shot in a February encounter against the T-Wolves was considered the best, particularly for the circumstances surrounding it.
The game was tied at 138 with just one second remaining on the clock. The 33-year-old received a long inbounds pass from Jeff Green, turned and hit a difficult fadeaway shot over Jimmy Butler to seal a two-point win.
"Coach (Tyronn) Lue called up a great play, Jeff Green gave me a heck of a pass, and I just trusted my instincts and let it go," James said after the game.
For the second consecutive year, the four-time MVP was not present at the NBA Awards.
Free agency
His presence would've undoubtedly led to questions about his upcoming free agency with a large media gathering at the event.
The three-time champion is set to inform the Cavs later this week if he intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
It is widely expected that he will test free agency and assess his options by possibly holding discussions with multiple teams.
But according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the King is not interested in any elaborate pitches and is only willing to hold serious talks with owners and senior front office officials.
When he was a free agent in 2010, LBJ was courted by a host of teams who flew delegations over to make presentations to him.
The 13-time All-Star eventually made his decision in a special televised interview on ESPN.
On this occasion, he's keen to avoid any fanfare as he's aware of exactly what he wants.
The circus will begin on July 1 when the best player in the world officially hits the open market.
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