SGA, Jalen Williams, Mark Daigneault nominated for monthly awards

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the surprise teams this season, sitting within two games of the postseason with a 25-27 record already matching last season’s win total. In addition, the OKC Thunder ripped off their best month of the season, going 9-5 in January with impressive wins against contenders.

The NBA announced its monthly awards on Thursday for Western Conference and Eastern Conference player of the month, rookie of the month, and coach of the month. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a nominee in all three categories for the Western Conference.

The OKC Thunder sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Mark Daigneault nominated for Western Conference Monthly Awards.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned another nomination for Western Conference Player of the Month after posting 31 points, four rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block while shooting 54 percent from the floor, 41 percent from beyond the arc, and 89 percent from the floor through 13 games.

Jalen Williams was tabbed as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month nominee for the second straight month losing to Keegan Murray after Williams grabbed the first award for October/November. The rookie out of Santa Clara turned in 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game while nearly a block (0.7) added to the total. The rookie forward remained efficient, shooting 51 percent from the floor, 32 percent from distance, and 71 percent from the free throw line.

Mark Daigneault earned recognition as a nominee for Western Conference Coach of the Month after the Oklahoma City Thunder played like one of the best teams in the NBA for the January stretch. It is good to see the youngest coach in the NBA earning some shine for how well he has coached this squad.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are still hanging around the NBA Playoff picture, but a tough two-week stretch leading into the All-Star break will likely determine their fate.