Cunningham, Wembanyama Collect NBA Player of the Month Awards
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NEW YORK — The NBA on Monday named Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for February, while San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama captured the Western Conference honor.
Cunningham takes second award of the season
Cunningham, the league’s first two-time winner this season after earning the October/November award, guided Detroit to a 9-2 record in March as the Pistons preserved their hold on first place in the East. The 22-year-old averaged 25.4 points, 9.9 assists, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks in 33.5 minutes, shooting 47.2% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range and 76.9% at the foul line.
His signature performance came in New York shortly after the All-Star break, when he poured in 42 points to go with 13 assists and eight rebounds in a road win over the Knicks. Cunningham logged six double-doubles during the month.
Other Eastern Conference nominees were Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers), Desmond Bane (Magic), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Brandon Ingram (Raptors), Brandon Miller (Hornets) and Ryan Rollins (Bucks).
Wembanyama earns first offensive monthly honor
Wembanyama, also a former No. 1 overall pick, claimed his first career Player of the Month award after anchoring the league’s stingiest defense in February and helping San Antonio post an 11-0 record. The 22-year-old averaged 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals.
The French center previously took home the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award earlier in the season. Spurs guard Dylan Harper was named Rookie of the Month for February, giving San Antonio a sweep of the conference’s top monthly honors.
Western Conference nominees included Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers), Luka Doncic (Lakers), Kevin Durant (Rockets), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers).
Source: Hoops Rumors
