NBA Adds Conference Finals MVP Award Named After Larry Bird, Magic Johnson

The NBA has announced it is adding a pair of new postseason awards for the best player in each Conference Finals.

The Eastern Conference Finals MVP will be named after Larry Bird, while the Western Conference Finals MVP will be named after Magic Johnson.

“I am very honored to have my name associated with the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP Trophy,” said Bird.  “I know how tough it is to get to this great milestone of the Eastern Conference Finals and to be named the Most Valuable Player makes it even more special.”

“The NBA Conference Finals represent the last hurdle a team must face for an opportunity to make it to the big stage, the NBA Finals,” said Johnson.  “I’m truly honored to have my name memorialized on the Western Conference Finals Most Valuable Player Trophy.  This player excels on both ends of the court, makes his teammates better and leads his team to the greatest stage in basketball.”