NEW YORK – The New York Knicks’ Chris Copeland and the Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in April.

Copeland ranked fourth among all rookies in scoring (15.0 ppg) and fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.452). He recorded a season- and career-high 33 points on 12-of-29 shooting over 40 minutes on April 17 in a win vs Atlanta. This was Copeland’s second time this season reaching the 30-point mark.

Lillard, winner of his sixth consecutive Kia Rookie of the Month award, led all rookies in scoring (19.0 ppg), assists (6.2 apg), field goals (61) and three-pointers (19). He broke the NBA rookie record for three-pointers made in a season with 185, topping the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry’s previous record of 166. Lillard became the third rookie in NBA history, joining Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson, to record at least 1,500 points and 500 assists.  On April 10 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, Lillard became the first rookie since LeBron James to record at least 38 points and nine assists in a game.

Here is a recap of the month for Copeland and Lillard:

Chris Copeland, New York Knicks

April 14 vs. Indiana: Posted 20 points and three rebounds in a 90-80 win over the Pacers.

April 15 @ Chicago: Recorded 32 points and seven rebounds in a 106-95 loss to the Bulls.

April 17 vs. Atlanta: Tallied a career-high 33 points and added three rebounds in a 98-92 victory over the Hawks.

Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

April 10 vs. LA Lakers: Had career highs in points with 38 and steals with three in a 113-106 loss to the Lakers.

April 14 @ Denver: Posted 30 points and had a

career-high two blocks in a 118-109 loss to the Nuggets.

April 17 vs. Golden State: Recorded 21 points and three assists in a 99-88 loss to the Warriors.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month were Detroit’s Andre Drummond and New Orleans’ Anthony Davis.

Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month
For the first time, the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month are part of a series of on-court performance awards called “The Kia NBA Performance Awards.” The series, currently in its sixth season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and includes five of the league’s most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man Award, Most Improved Player Award, and Rookie of the Year.  It also includes the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month during the regular season.  Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and the Kia Optima is the league’s Official Vehicle.  For more information on the “The Kia NBA Performance Awards” visit www.NBA.com/awards.