Monday, January 4, 2010

Bucks' Jennings, Kings' Evans named Rookies of the Month

NEW YORK, -- The Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings and the Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans today were named the Eastern and Western Conference T-Mobile Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in December.

Jennings ranks second among rookies in scoring (16.7 ppg) and first in assists (6.5 apg). He ranks second in three-point percentage (32.4) and fourth in free throw percentage (.848). He recorded his first career double-double in a win over Portland on Dec. 12 (18 points, 11 assists), playing a career-high 44 minutes. In addition, Jennings led or tied for the team lead in points five times and assists 12 times in December.

Evans leads all rookies in scoring (22.1 ppg), minutes played (37.9), free throws made (130) and attempted (167), and is second in assists (5.1) and steals (1.62). He helped orchestrate one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history, as the Kings overcame a 35-point deficit at Chicago on Dec. 21, by scoring nine of his 11 fourth quarter points in the final 2:13. Evans scored 20 or more points in eight games in December and has 17 20-point performances this season, tops among rookies.

Here is a recap of the month for both Jennings and Evans:

Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

Dec. 6 vs. Cleveland: Registered 24 points, four rebounds and four assists in a 101-86 loss to the Cavaliers.

Dec. 9 vs. Toronto: Tallied 22 points, six assists and had a career-high two blocks in a 117-95 win over the Raptors.

Dec. 12 vs. Portland: Scored 18 points and had a career-high 11 assists in a 108-101 victory over the Blazers.

Dec. 28 @ Charlotte: Posted 24 points in addition to seven assists and two rebounds in a 94-84 loss to the Bobcats.

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings

Dec. 6 vs. Miami: Scored 30 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a 115-102 loss to the Heat.

Dec. 16 vs. Washington: Recorded 26 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks in a 112-109 win over the Wizards.

Dec. 19 @ Milwaukee: Posted 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 96-95 victory over the Bucks.

Dec. 23 vs. Cleveland: Tallied 28 points and had a career-high three blocks and five assists in a 117-104 overtime loss to the Cavaliers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference T-Mobile Rookies of the Month were Golden State's Stephen Curry, Minnesota's Jonny Flynn, Oklahoma City's James Harden and Utah's Wesley Matthews.