The NBA’s best for November

The League’s centers were definitely the ‘Big Men on Campus’ for November. Centers Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets were named the Eastern and Western Conference “Players of the Month.”

Howard, considered the engine fueling the best team in the Eastern Conference, averaged 17.1 points per game and led the League in rebounds with 13.6. Facing his childhood idol Kevin Garnett in a Nov. 11th game, Howard grabbed 21 rebounds to accompany his 21-points, and led the Magic pass the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-98. On Nov. 20 against the Memphis Grizzlies Howard posted his second double-double of 20 or more points and rebounds; he scored 24 and pulled 23 boards in a loss to the Grizzlies. On Nov. 27 Howard, four rebounds shy of his third 20 plus double-double, scored 21-points and snatched 16 rebounds.

Ming, with 11 consecutive games of 20-points or more, tallied 36-points against the Rockets’ Texas neighbors, the Dallas Mavericks; 35 and 17 rebounds against the New York Knicks, 34 with 14 rebounds against a Shaq-less Miami Heat, and 33 points and 16 rebounds with four assists against the Detroit Pistons.


Adam Morrison and Rudy Gay were named “T-Mobile Rookies of the Month.” Morrison ranked first among rookies [Eastern and Western Conference rookies] in scoring averaging 15.3 points per game and minutes played averaging 36.1. Chosen third in the 2006 NBA draft by the Charlotte Bobcats, the kid known for his stache,’ ranked second in 3-point shooting among rookies converting .375 percent. Entering the NBA as a prolific scorer, Morrison scored 20-points are more in six games. Against the San Antonio Spurs Morrison scored 27 while being guarded by Bruce Bowen, one of the League’s premiere defensive players. Morrison dropped 12-of-23 shots; (2-of-3) from the arc. Morrison scorched the Miami Heat with 27.

Gay leads the Western Conference rookies in scoring averaging 8.7 points per game. He earned his career high with 23 points in an 89-84 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Gay also ranks first [Western Conference] in minutes played per game with 24.9 and third in rebounding (4.7) and tied for third in steals with .93.

Brian Hill, coach of the first place Orlando Magic and Jerry Sloan, coach of the first place Utah Jazz were named the Eastern and Western Conference “Coaches of the Month.”

Hill has guided the Magic to a 12-4 start, their best since 1998-99, to lead the Eastern Conference. Sloan, likewise, has led his Jazz to a 13-4 mark to lead the Western Conference.