Suns' Monty Williams wins 2021-22 Coach of the Year award

WASHINGTON - Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams was named NBA coach of the year, the NBA announced on Monday.

Williams led the Suns to an NBA-leading 64-18 record during the regular season and the highest winning percentage (.780) in franchise history.

Phoenix won a franchise-record of 18 consecutive games from October 30 to December 2, including a 16-0 record in November, tied for the second-most wins in a month without a loss in NBA history, trailing only the Atlanta Hawks' 17-0 record in January 2015.

Williams, who is serving the third season as the Suns' head coach, led Phoenix to the NBA finals last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Williams also coached the New Orleans Pelicans for five seasons from 2010 to 2015.