Heat’s Erik Spoelstra, Grizzlies’ Lionel Hollins named NBA Coaches of the Month
NEW YORK – The Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Lionel Hollins today were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in February.
Spoelstra led Miami to a league-best 12-1 (.923) record in February. The Heat scored 100 or more points 10 times on the month, and also won nine games in February by at least 10 points, including a 114-90 road victory against Philadelphia on Feb. 23. The Heat held opponents under 100 points seven times on the month, including a 111-89 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 8. After a 102-89 loss to the Pacers on Feb. 1, the Heat ended the month on a 12-game winning streak. At 41-14, Miami stands alone atop the East.
Hollins led the Grizzlies to a Western Conference-best 9-2 (.818) record in February. The Grizzlies held opponents under 100 points nine times on the month, including a 105-88 home victory against Minnesota on Feb. 10. After starting February 1-2, Hollins’ Grizzlies ended the month on an eight-game winning streak. At 38-18 on the season, Memphis has the fifth most wins in the league and sits fourth in the West.
Other nominees for Coach of the Month were Boston’s Doc Rivers, the Indiana Pacers’ Frank Vogel, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Scott Brooks, and the San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich.