The 2013-2014 season came to a conclusion on Wednesday, as all 30 teams around the league played their final regular season game of the year.
It has been a season of surprises to say the least: the New York Knicks failed to make it to the playoffs, the Brooklyn Nets were comically bad before turning things around midway through, the Miami Heat won 12 less games than last season, the Los Angeles Lakers were one of the worst teams in the league, Anthony Bennett was shockingly bad for a No. 1 overall pick, and the Phoenix Suns nearly made the playoffs despite playing without Eric Bledsoe for 40 games.
Then again, it was also a season of predictability: the San Antonio Spurs ended up with the best record in the league, Kevin Durant led the league in scoring again, the Los Angeles Clippers became terrific under Doc Rivers’ guidance, and Stephen Curry once again led the league in total 3-pointers made.
As the regular season comes to a close, some teams will be gearing up for the playoffs, while many others will now head into the offseason wondering what went wrong. Mostly, though, they are grateful for their opportunities and the support provided by the fans. See below for all the words of appreciation from players around the league:
Thank you God for getting me thru another 82 game season healthy and injury free. To all the TRUE Celtics fans, THANK YOU!!! — Jeff Green (@unclejeffgreen) April 17, 2014
Playoffs !! #whynotus — Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 17, 2014
Can’t look back now.We fought until the last second.Now the “other” season starts! Sunday at noon vs the Spurs. Let’s go Mavs. #yeswecan — jose manuel calderon (@josemcalderon8) April 17, 2014
Playoff time !! I’ve waited my whole life for this ! Real season starts now…#wizkids #believe !! — John Wall (@John_Wall) April 17, 2014
#allthatmatters thank you fans!! http://t.co/ejTpEhlfoD — Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) April 17, 2014
The season didn’t turn out as we anticipated, but the Pistons future is bright with @dre_drummond_.… http://t.co/2pCz1ZwTZC — Charlie Villanueva (@CVBelieve) April 17, 2014
Know that the season didn’t go as well as we and the fans wanted it to go but all the guys in our locker room gave it their all! — Ryan Kelly (@RyanKelly34) April 17, 2014
Back to back wins on the road to finish off the season! I’m proud of the team’s spirit and effort despite all the adversity. #GoLakers — Pau Gasol (@paugasol) April 17, 2014
Love y’all thanks for all the support all yr #LakerNation #TeamSwaggy LA the home team … I love my… http://t.co/5RtXfR23wJ — Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) April 17, 2014
What a year!!! So blessed to have gone through a year in the NBA. Many more and better years to come … http://t.co/mEZOJ2KN5m — Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) April 17, 2014
ji thankful for the opportunity the Lakers gave me this year. Woulda never thought in Nov it woulda worked out like this. — Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) April 17, 2014
Without God none of this would be possible! Finishing my 3rd year in the NBA is truly a blessing. I… http://t.co/JJ5nyb0bHB — Tobias Harris (@tobias31) April 17, 2014
Man got to thank God for this season! Great night.. Thanks to all the fans and we see you in the playoffs!! #God #Biznation — bismack biyombo (@bismackbiyombo0) April 17, 2014
Thank you Magic fans for another amazing year! Especially to all the true fans for sticking with us… http://t.co/pqqtpcXFuU — Maurice Harkless (@moe_harkless) April 17, 2014
Having Jim Gillen next to me made the daily challenges of the NBA fun & enjoyable. Thanks for bringing real friendship to me & our staff! — George Karl (@CoachKarl22) April 17, 2014
To ALL of you who follow and have been so kind and generous with your words: A heartfelt THANK YOU for your support! #overwhelmed — Jim Barnett (@uograd66) April 16, 2014
5 yrs in and now I can finally say playoff time where u really make a name for yourself #LetsGetIt — Marcus Thornton (@OfficialMT23) April 17, 2014
Thanks fans for all your support during the regular season. It’s playoffs time and we need you more than ever! See you Sunday #GoSpursGo — Boris Diaw (@theborisdiaw) April 17, 2014
Good luck Unk RT @John_Wall: Playoff time !! I’ve waited my whole life for this ! Real season starts now…#wizkids #believe !! — Dion Waiters (@dionwaiters3) April 17, 2014
Tweet of the Day: Kobe Bryant Among Many NBA Players Reflecting On Season’s End
Tweet of the Night: J.R. Smith impressed by Iman Shumpert’s crossover on Paul Pierce J
ames Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.