The Orlando Magic’s Stan Van Gundy and the Phoenix Suns’ Alvin Gentry today were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.
Van Gundy guided the Magic to a 14-4 (.778) record, tops in the Eastern Conference. The Magic recorded key road wins over fellow Eastern Conference powers Boston and Atlanta, amassing an 8-2 record away from Amway Arena. Orlando has won six straight road games, one shy of equaling the franchise record. The Magic rank in the top five defensively in opponents offensive rebounds allowed per game (1st), opponents assists per game (1st), points allowed (4th) and opponents field-goal percentage (5th).
Gentry led the Suns to an NBA-best 14-3 (.824) mark. The Suns are the NBA’s lone remaining team with an undefeated record at home (6-0). Phoenix’s typical high-octane offense is in effect, with the Suns passing the century mark in all 17 games this season, allowing them to climb 11 games over .500 for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
Other nominees for the Coach of the Month were Atlanta’s Mike Woodson, Boston’s Doc Rivers, Cleveland’s Mike Brown, Denver’s George Karl, Oklahoma City’s Scott Brooks, Portland’s Nate McMillan and Sacramento’s Paul Westphal.
