Ah, Never Mind...

Hill and Howard earn top honors - Orlando Sentinel : Orlando Magic

About six hours after I post complaining about lack of recognition of the stellar Magic play this season the Sentinel reports this:

A fast start has brought the Orlando Magic rapid recognition.

Coach Brian Hill was honored by the league as the Eastern Conference's coach of the month and center Dwight Howard as the East's player of the month, the NBA announced on Friday.

Hill, in his second tour as head coach of the Magic, led the Magic to a 12-4 record in the month of November.

Oddly, it was the first time Hill had been recognized as coach of the month despite leading the Magic to a 13-2 record in November in 1995. The club, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, would go on to win a franchise-record 60 games.

Dallas Mavericks Coach Dick Motta won the award that month with a 6-6 record. The Mavs were the league's worst team the previous season.

"It's the first time," Hill said, laughing. "It's a reflection of our coaching staff and our players. Our road record (5-3, heading into Friday night's game at Portland) is what I'm most impressed with. And I'm really happy for Dwight."

Howard, named player of the week last week, averaged 17.1 points and a league-leading 13.6 rebounds for the month of November. He also had seven consecutive double-doubles, and a 24-point, 23-rebound game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Someone may have to Heimlich Matt because if this happy bunch keeps playing well Hill is in line to win Coach of the Year honors.

Now the Coach of the Month needs to remind the Player of the Month to not get a big head and assume Portland is going to roll over and quit tonight.