Monty Williams has made sure to coach the Western Conference in the next All-Star 2022 by beating the San Antonio Spurs 115-110 last morning.
The Phoenix Suns currently lead the standings with a record of 40-9, which means that no other team in their Conference can overtake them between now and February 6 (the deadline for the All-Star).
Williams becomes the first Arizona franchise coach to attend the All-Star Game since Italian-American Mike D’Antoni did it in 2007.
“I am very happy for Monty (Williams). I am happy for our staff. It’s fantastic,” said Chris Paul in the middle ESPN.
“It is a huge blessing to be in this position and represent your team, the franchise, the city and your family. I am aware of all the sacrifices that people around me make. And this is a whole team effort,” Williams added.
For his part, the designated coach for the East is still up for grabs with the Miami Heat (32-18) and Brooklyn Nets (31-18) fighting for the top spot. Likewise, the Sixers (30-19) could also get the first place, since they are just 1.5 wins behind the Florida team. However, Doc Rivers cannot be designated, since he was already last year.
(Cover photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)