Suns shooting guard Devin Booker and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum have been named the NBA’s players of the month for the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively, the league announced today (via Twitter).
All of the initial monthly awards combined the statistics from October and November, since October was an abbreviated month (the regular season started on the 18th).
Booker led the Suns to a 15-6 record over the past six weeks, the No. 1 seed in the West. Through 21 games (36.5), he’s averaging 29.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.8 APG and 1.1 SPG on .489/.378/.878 shooting.
The 26-year-old is coming off Wednesday’s spectacular performance against Chicago, in which he scored 51 points on 20-of-25 shooting — including 6-of-7 from three and 5-of-6 from the line — in only three quarters of action in the blowout victory.
Tatum led the Celtics to an NBA-best 18-4 record through November, the No. 1 seed in the East. Through 21 games (36.7 MPG), he’s averaging 31.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.5 APG and 1.1 BPG on .488/.366/.873 shooting.
The 24-year-old had his own incredible performance in Wednesday’s victory over Miami, recording season-high 49 points on .600/.667/.917 shooting splits.
According to the NBA (Twitter links), the other nominees in the West were Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Luka Doncic, De’Aaron Fox, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Ja Morant, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, OG Anunoby, DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Donovan Mitchell and Franz Wagner were nominated in the East.
Giannis & Luka!!!
At least now we know who’s girl Udoka was banging…I always thought it was Stevens, but I can admit when I’m wrong.
Tatum-Luka could probably be players of the week every week this season. If they don’t sit out games.
Steph Better.
Steph doesn’t play D… except for passing lanes… That and his Warriors aren’t exactly killing it so far this year.
Curry clears Booker in every conceivable way – I thought we all accepted he’s the GOAT and is #1 no matter what as long as he’s playing? They already stole 3 of his MVPs and gave them to the undeserving Harden and Westbrook, two clowns who dont know how to win. Now they found another clown who also doesnt know how to win to give Curry’s rightful awards to. Booker should not have sniffed this. Until he wins a chip he’s soft and shouldnt be considered a serious superstar until he does.
Insane, GSW would have lost every game this year if not for Steph. He went off EVERY game.
You aren’t actually this upset over Devin Booker winning player of the month? Like this a joke, right?
It’s bizarre. Usually he’s whining about Steve Kerr. Now he’s distraught over player of the month? Embarrassing.
Must be tough being an A’s fan in the UK these days.
booker is steph & klay combined. can’t possibly be better than that.
Dude, your obsession with Steph isn’t healthy. It’s just not going to work out. I mean it’s 2022 so you can love who you want and most won’t judge you, it’s just that I don’t think he’d that interested. He doesn’t even know who you are. On top of that he seems pretty happy in his current relationship and who can blame him? Have you seen Ayesha? She’s straight fire! Plus there’s the distance problem with you being in the UK and all.
That was one of the worst takes ever, especially for player of the month award. So he’s soft and can’t be a superstar until he wins a championship? Insane is right
@A’sfaninLexington
Imagine being this upset about a player of the month award lol
Bit shocked about Booker, I’d have gone Jokic, Ja, Steph, SGA or Luka before Book. But I guess standings are more important than individual performances. Exact same reason Tatum over Giannis. Even though Giannis is the best player in the league RN.