Monty Williams has truly made a difference for the Phoenix Suns, helping transform the franchise into a seemingly perennial title contender. He also further cemented his legacy as among the best head coaches in Suns history when he got awarded Monday the 2021-22 Coach of the Year. The news of his trophy win was first leaked out by no other than Devin Booker himself.
Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has been voted the NBA’s COY, book tells sources. A formal announcement is expected later today.
— Book (@DevinBook) May 9, 2022
Booker would later add more context to his attempt at NBA reportage after he and the Suns took care of business at home in Game 5 of their 2022 NBA Playoffs second-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Via NBA:
“I told coach walking out, I’m breaking it…Y’all better watch out” Devin Booker on being first to the Monty Williams Coach of the Year news.
"I told coach walking out, I'm breaking it…Y'all better watch out"
Devin Booker on being first to the Monty Williams Coach of the Year news. pic.twitter.com/Wx7bAXQ6tn
— NBA (@NBA) May 11, 2022
Under Williams, the Suns have seemingly become a perennial title contender. Last season they came two wins away from having a championship parade down in Phoenix. This season, they are in the right direction towards a return trip to the Western Conference Finals, as they need just a win more to eliminate Luka Doncic and the stubborn Mavericks.
With Williams calling the shots, the Suns finished the 2021-22 NBA regular season with a franchise-best 64-18 record, a huge improvement from their 51-21 slate in the shortened 2020-21 NBA campaign.