What a month of a basketball! If the rest of the season is anything in comparison to the basketball we’ve seen as fans through November, this may turn out to be one of the most exciting seasons we have had in recent memory.  From rookies stepping it up, to veterans with clutch performances when their teams needed it, November was an exciting time to be an NBA fan!

Let’s hand out the awards, shall we…

Player of the Month: Eastern Conference -LeeeeBron. Its hard to argue when you are shooting 52% from the field and averaging almost 30 points a game. What I do like from LeBron so far is that he is getting people involved around him. He’s averaging 8.0 assists a game, including 12 assists on three occasions. Another reason I like LeBron here is that despite all the greatness he has, he’s still getting better. His field goal percentage (52%), free throw percentage (~79%), and his assists (8.0 apg) so far on the season are career highs.

Honorable Mention – Dwyane Wade / Chris Bosh – DWade made a push for player of the month, including some pretty impressive performances over the Nets and Wizards (Wade dropped 40 and 41 against the Wiz this year). But his shooting has been suspect of late, and he’s only 26% percent from the 3 all season. Bosh has also been dominant in the beginning of the month, but had some tough shooting performances himself to close out the season.

Player of the Month: Western Conference – Steve Nash.  His play so far in November has been outstanding, proving why he should be in the talk as one of the best point guards in the NBA. He comfortably leads the NBA in assists with 12.1 a game, with 16+ assists in 6 games and 20 assists in 2 games. His ability to create for Amare, Richardson, Hill, and the rest of the Suns. He is a major reason why the Suns have never scored less than 100 points, which has led them to a 14-3 record to start the season.

Honorable Mention – Carmelo Anthony. This was once close, but just how Nash has been dominating at his position tilted the favor to the Suns PG.  Here’s an incredible stat: Melo has not shot lower than .333 in a game to date. His lowest point total on the year? 22.

Rookie of the Month Eastern Conference -Easy. Brandon Jennings. The man who scored 55 in his 7th game into his career. Outstanding. This kid has a lot of potential to be an absolute superstar. His presence has certainly helped the Bucks become relevant again. Averaging about 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists a game, look for this rookie to continue to blossom.

Rookie of the Month: Western Conference -Tyreke Evans. It’s hard to say another rookie has had the impact that Evans and Jennings have had. Both are playing close to 35 minutes a game. Evans has averaged around 19 points a game, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Sixth Man of the Month – This one is easy. Jamal Crawford has been a major contributor despite not having a single start on the year. Averaging 30+ minutes on any given night, he is delivering 17 points and 3 assists off the bench. When you have a guy like Crawford stepping it up on your bench, it is easy to see why the Hawks are dominant.

Team of the Month -I’m going to take a lot of crap for this, but it’s the Phoenix Suns. I’m sorry – when you start the season with 11 of 17 games on the road, and your record is 14-3, that is impressive. Yes they don’t play defense because no team can outscore them. They are, right now, a well-oiled machine. But it’s not getting any easier for the Suns. They have some pretty beefed up road games in December, including @Denver, @Portland, @ LAL, @ Dallas, and @ Cleveland.  I’d like to see how this test pans out for the Suns.

Honorable Mention - The Lakers were a close second, but they only played 4 games on the road.  Yes, the Lakers beat the Suns…I get it. But when you open the season with expectations to go 20-1, (some analysts did predict that due to the soft schedule) but you sit at 13-3 at the end of the November, its dissapointing. What hurt them the most was Gasol. But now that he’s back and healthy, look for the Lakers to take off in the coming months.

Buzzer beater of the Month – Damien Wilkin’s putback at the end of the game to lift the Timberwolves over the Nets. The Nets have yet to win a game and the T’Wolves have only one other win (from this past Sunday). So we could be talking about Timberwolves owning the worst start in NBA history if not for that put back.

And now, its time for the HRBL and INCRBL award!

HRBL Award -  Goes to the winless, Frank-less Nets.  I know they started out with the second-hardest schedule in the league, but it feels like sometimes they aren’t even trying when they are on the floor. Their recent west coast trip proves this – their closest defeat was by 10 points to the Trail Blazers. Brook Lopez can’t do it alone, let’s hope he gets some help and the Nets win before Christmas. HRBL!

INCRBL Award – After much deliberation, I hand it to Kobe’s shot behind the hoop. His over-the-backboard shot in the first quarter against the Thunder was not only impressive, but done while being fouled and not getting a call.  Take a look here as Kobe teaches you HORSE 101. Simply put, INCRBL.

Till next time, enjoy all of the December action.

-Duts