news

Ime Udoka and Rick Carlisle Named NBA Coaches of January

03 Feb 2025, 5:18 PM ET — 1 min read

Ime Udoka, head coach of the Houston Rockets, and Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, have been honored as the NBA's Coaches of the Month for January 2025. This recognition comes after both coaches led their respective teams to impressive records during the month, demonstrating effective strategies and leadership. Udoka guided the Rockets to an 11-4 record, while Carlisle's Pacers achieved a remarkable 10-2 record, showcasing their significant contributions to their teams' successes.

Under Udoka's coaching, the Rockets secured notable victories this January, including wins against strong teams such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. This successful stretch improved Houston's overall record to 32-16, placing them in third position in the Western Conference, ahead of the fourth-place Nuggets by two-and-a-half games. This marks the second time this season that Udoka has received the Coach of the Month award, having also been recognized in October and November.

Meanwhile, Carlisle's Pacers maintained a +10.4 net rating during January, the highest in the Eastern Conference. Their only two losses came in back-to-back games against the same teams, having split their series with the Cavaliers and the Spurs. Carlisle's achievement is significant as he becomes the first non-Cavaliers coach to win the award in the Eastern Conference for January, breaking Kenny Atkinson's streak of two consecutive wins earlier in the season. Other nominees for the Coach of the Month awards included Chauncey Billups, Doug Christie, Mark Daigneault, and Tyronn Lue in the Western Conference, and Atkinson, J.B. Bickerstaff, Joe Mazzulla, and Tom Thibodeau in the East.

Ime Udoka's Rockets: 11-4 in January, improved to 32-16 overall.
Rick Carlisle's Pacers: 10-2 in January with a +10.4 net rating.
Udoka previously won Coach of the Month for October and November.
Carlisle's Pacers lost only two games in January against the same teams.

Philadelphia 76ers Promote Jared Butler to Standard Contract Following Trade

The Philadelphia 76ers have officially transitioned guard Jared Butler from a two-way contract to a standard, two-year NBA contract. This strategic move comes after the team acquired Butler from the Washington Wizards, along with four future second-round picks, in exchange for veteran guard Reggie Jackson and a first-round draft pick

Jamal Murray Scores Career-High 55 Points as Nuggets Defeat Trail Blazers

In a standout performance on February 12, 2025, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets set a new career-high by scoring 55 points in a 132-121 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. This marked the eighth consecutive win for the Nuggets, showcasing their formidable form as they headed into the All-Star

Sacramento Kings Sign Former No. 1 Pick Markelle Fultz to Address Point Guard Shortage

The Sacramento Kings have officially signed former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz as they seek to reinforce their roster following the departure of star point guard De'Aaron Fox. The agreement comes as the Kings aim to bolster their playoff aspirations with the regular season entering its final

Brooklyn Nets Extend Winning Streak to Three with 100-96 Victory Over 76ers

In a thrilling matchup, the Brooklyn Nets secured a narrow 100-96 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, marking their third consecutive win. The game was tightly contested, with the Nets battling against a short-handed Sixers squad lacking key players such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey due to injuries. The win

Read more

Philadelphia 76ers Promote Jared Butler to Standard Contract Following Trade

Jamal Murray Scores Career-High 55 Points as Nuggets Defeat Trail Blazers

Sacramento Kings Sign Former No. 1 Pick Markelle Fultz to Address Point Guard Shortage

Brooklyn Nets Extend Winning Streak to Three with 100-96 Victory Over 76ers