Suns’ Monty Williams named NBA Coach of the Year

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- After leading the team to the best record in franchise history, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has received a major honor. Williams was named the NBA’s 2021-2022 Coach of the Year on Monday. He received 458 points, including 81 first-place votes out of 100. It was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The news was also playfully hinted at by Suns star Devin Booker.

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been voted the NBA’s COY, book tells sources. A formal announcement is expected later today.
— Book (@DevinBook) May 9, 2022

Williams became the third Suns’ head coach to win the award, following Cotton Fitzsimmons in 1989 and Mike D’Antoni in 2005. Under Williams’ leadership, the Suns posted a NBA-best 64-18 record, a year after taking the team to their third NBA Finals appearance. It’s the most regular season wins for the franchise and the highest winning percentage in a season in franchise history. Williams was named NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month twice, in October/November and January. During his three years in Phoenix, Williams has a 149-78 regular season record with the team.

The Suns are currently tied at 2-2 in their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Dallas Mavericks. Game 5 tips off from Phoenix on Tuesday night.