Jimcs50
04-04-2006, 04:50 PM
The following are the latest results from the 2005-06 SportsNation NBA Head Coach Approval Ratings:
NBA Coach Approval Ratings - March
Gregg
Popovich 91%
Team: San Antonio Spurs
Record: 57-16
Votes: 310 Spurs remain consistent, hold on to top spot in West
San Antonio went 12-4 in March as the Spurs continue to hold off Dallas for home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs enjoyed quality wins against Dallas, Phoenix twice and the Clippers and Lakers on the road. And San Antonio's defense remained the key as the Spurs allowed 90.9 points per game in March. Vote
Flip
Saunders 90%
Team: Detroit Pistons
Record: 59-14
Votes: 419 Pistons suffer worst monthly record of season, still quite respectable
Most teams would welcome an 11-5 monthly record, but the Pistons aren't like most teams. Those five losses were the most they've had in any month this season. But they still have the best record in the NBA entering the final month of the regular season. Among those five losses was a defeat to Larry Brown and the Knicks. But the Pistons did beat Miami and Dallas in March, to prove they are the team to beat. Vote
Mike
Brown 89%
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 44-29
Votes: 140 Cavs clinch first playoff berth in eight years
LeBron James was 13 years old the last time the Cavaliers reached the playoffs. With a convincing victory over Dallas, Cleveland clinched its first playoff berth since 1998 and is showing signs of progress as the playoffs near. As Cleveland appeared to be on its way to another post-All Star letdown, James took charge and wouldn't let the team falter. Flip Murray has also added a nice dimension at the defensive end on many nights. Cleveland finished March on a six-game winning streak. Vote
Avery
Johnson 88%
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Record: 55-19
Votes: 154 Mavericks endure worth month of season, look to rebound in April
Dallas has picked a poor time to begin a slide. After losing 11 games in the first four months of the season, Dallas lost eight games in the month of March alone. On the positive side, most of the team's losses came against some of the best teams in the NBA (Spurs, Suns, Nets, Pistons, Cavaliers). The Mavericks' late-season struggles are not the fault of Dirk Nowitzki, who continued his MVP-type season by averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds per game. Vote
Mike
Dunleavy 88%
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 42-30
Votes: 57 Clippers solid, if not spectacular, as playoff drought nears end
The Clippers are looking pretty good now to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1997. They went 10-6 in March although they only had one high-quality victory (Spurs). However, the Clippers didn't suffer any terrible home losses, either, and have been able to remain in the No. 5 spot in the West. That would net them a matchup with the Mavericks in the first round currently, so a minor slip in April wouldn't be a total disappointment since they would get the third-seeded Nuggets instead. Vote
Lawrence
Frank 87%
Team: New Jersey Nets
Record: 44-28
Votes: 159 Nets pick good time to peak
New Jersey was just four games over .500 on the morning of March 12 after losing five of its previous six games. The Nets haven't lost since, winning 11 straight games to finish March, including victories over Dallas, Phoenix and on the road against Washington and Detroit. The emergence of Nenad Krstic as a consistent threat in the post has meant the world to New Jersey's Big Three of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson. Vote
Mike
D'Antoni 85%
Team: Phoenix Suns
Record: 49-24
Votes: 88 Poor defense and return of Amare seems to throw Suns off track slightly
On the surface, an 11-6 month doesn't appear too bad. But for the Phoenix Suns, there are a few holes to patch. The return of Amare Stoudemire from his knee injury appeared to throw off the team's rhythm more than help it. In addition, Phoenix allowed over 109 points per game and 49 percent shooting. The Suns suffered some bad losses - to the Spurs by 24, Nets by 38 and Bucks by 22. But with Stoudemire possibly out for the remainder of the season after his unsuccessful return, maybe the Suns can get back into gear knowing that they'll have to move forward without him. Vote
George
Karl 85%
Team: Denver Nuggets
Record: 41-33
Votes: 60 Carmelo and Nuggets continue to be class of Northwest Division
Denver went 11-5 in March, including a 5-2 road trip, and continued to easily outdistance the rest of the Northwest Division. Carmelo Anthony is a huge reason why. His maturation and consistency hasn't gone unnoticed. Anthony scored at least 30 points in eight of his last 10 games in March, as the Nuggets beat the likes of Detroit, Memphis and San Antonio. Vote
Eddie
Jordan 84%
Team: Washington Wizards
Record: 37-35
Votes: 50 Wizards maintain position in playoff race
Gilbert Arenas has the Wizards on track for yet another spot in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 first-round playoff series. This time, they would face the Cavaliers if they can hold onto the 5th seed. Washington has looked very impressive on some nights and only two of its eight March losses came against teams that currently would miss the playoffs (Boston and Houston); and those came by a combined 3 points. Vote
Phil
Jackson 84%
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 40-35
Votes: 261 Kobe putting Lakers on his back toward another playoff berth
Los Angeles went 10-7 in March and in comfortably in the 7th spot in the Western Conference playoff race entering April. Through March, Kobe Bryant had led the Lakers in scoring in 26 straight games. His leadership help the Lakers beat Detroit at home and win in San Antonio. However, on the nights where Kobe doesn't get much help, they are capable of losing to the two worst teams in the conference (Seattle and Portland). Vote
Byron
Scott 80%
Team: NO/Oklahoma City Hornets
Record: 35-37
Votes: 46 Hornets hanging onto playoff hopes by a thread after dreadful March
New Orleans/Oklahoma City may have run out of gas. The Hornets have just a couple more weeks to prove otherwise. Separate losing streaks of eight and four games put the Hornets behind the eight-ball for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. Despite their difficulties maintaining a healthy roster, they entered April just two games behind Sacramento for that No. 8 seed. Vote
Jerry
Sloan 76%
Team: Utah Jazz
Record: 35-38
Votes: 50 Now healthy, Jazz still in mix for final playoff spot
With Carlos Boozer healthy and Andrei Kirilenko playing his very best, the Jazz are trying to rally for the final playoff berth in the West. But they'll have to rally and pass a couple teams in order to do so. In March, they enjoyed victories against the Clippers, Suns and Nuggets, but effectively canceled them out with losses to Charlotte, Seattle and Orlando. Vote
Rick
Adelman 75%
Team: Sacramento Kings
Record: 38-36
Votes: 72 Kings jump into eighth spot as April begins
Sacramento's 11-6 March, combined with a poor month by the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, has the Kings in command for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. It was their second straight winning month and it featured some very good wins. The Kings knocked off the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers and Nets - the latter two on the road. A very impressive month for a team that needed it. Vote
Mike
Woodson 75%
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Record: 22-50
Votes: 36 Joe Johnson outstanding, Hawks not so much in March
While the Hawks' poor season continues, Joe Johnson is playing hard to earn that big contract. In March, Johnson averaged 23.8 points and 7.7 assists per game, but Atlanta finished just 4-12. Three of those four wins came by one or two points. The road was unkind to the Hawks, as they lost their final seven away from Philips Arena. Vote
Sam
Mitchell 72%
Team: Toronto Raptors
Record: 26-47
Votes: 58 Raptors endure tough losses, including Bosh to sprained thumb
Toronto went 6-10 in March, but it could have easily been the other way around. The Raptors lost three games in overtime, including a game in which Charlie Villanueva scored 48 points against the Bucks. In addition, Chris Bosh sprained a thumb in that game and is out indefinitely. Toronto only recorded one victory against winning teams in March. Vote
Mike
Fratello 72%
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 42-32
Votes: 46 Grizzlies continue to push for fifth in West
Although it's highly unlikely Pau Gasol will win the MVP award, he is certainly worthy of being in the conversation. His explosion this season is why the Grizzlies are pushing for the No. 5 seed in the West. They won seven straight games before ending March on a downer and losing their final three games. Vote
Terry
Stotts 70%
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 37-36
Votes: 47 Bucks continue fight for 5th seed in the Eastern Conference
Milwaukee remains in the sixth spot entering April, but is right on the heels of the Wizards for the No. 5 seed in the East. The Bucks looked sluggish at the start of the month, losing four of five games. But despite injuries to Mo Williams and T.J. Ford, they've pulled through and even blasted the Suns by 22 points near the end of March. Charlie Bell recorded his first career triple-double in that victory. Vote
Scott
Skiles 68%
Team: Chicago Bulls
Record: 33-40
Votes: 44 Bulls take advantage of lesser opponents, still finish below .500 in March
The Bulls appear to be comfortable in their own skin. En route to a 7-9 month, Chicago defeated just one team with a winning record (New Jersey), but had no problem with lesser opponents like New York, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Charlotte. The Bulls easily could've won games against Eastern heavyweights, Cleveland and Miami, only to lose by one point in each game. Vote
Brian
Hill 64%
Team: Orlando Magic
Record: 29-44
Votes: 36 Magic show signs of life, despite road woes
Orlando, which looked like a team that may have given up in February, offered encouraging signs in March with its first winning month of the season. The nine wins - the final of which came against Dallas - are more than the Magic had in January and February combined. And Orlando's 7-0 home record in the month is certainly something Brian Hill has to be pleased about as the team looks to finish on a positive note. Vote
Rick
Carlisle 62%
Team: Indiana Pacers
Record: 35-37
Votes: 218 Pacers struggle but still hang on to seventh spot in East
If you watched the Pacers in March, you know exactly why they can't shake free of the .500 mark. They didn't win consecutive games all month and finished the month with their first three-game losing streak since the end of January. This season, Indiana is a combined 0-9 versus Boston, Toronto and Atlanta, none of which will make the playoffs. Vote
Bob
Hill 58%
Team: Seattle SuperSonics
Record: 30-43
Votes: 53 Inconsistency rules March for Sonics
It was an up-and-down month for Bob Hill and Seattle. Five of the SuperSonics' seven wins came against teams that would currently make the playoffs. In addition, only one of their six losses came against teams that are set to miss the postseason. Coach Hill likely can live with that, but would like to see more consistency on a nightly basis and, of course, better defense which has been an issue all season. Vote
Pat
Riley 56%
Team: Miami Heat
Record: 48-25
Votes: 84 No one better than Miami in March
The Heat didn't even have Shaquille O'Neal for part of March. But no matter, as Miami tied with piping-hot New Jersey for the best record in the month (12-3). The Heat appear to be peaking at just the right time, assuming that Shaq remains healthy in April. Dwyane Wade has been remarkable, but Miami did play an easy schedule in March. The Heat faced just three teams with winning records the entire month. Vote
Bernie
Bickerstaff 54%
Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 20-54
Votes: 46 Bobcats' high-scoring games don't translate into victories
Charlotte, which has battled with injuries all season long, continued to be competitive in most games in March. The Bobcats played tough against the Heat, Cavaliers and Wizards (twice), but didn't get a win to show for it. In fact, they haven't beaten an opponent that currently has a winning record since they took care of the Lakers in early February. Vote
Nate
McMillan 49%
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 20-53
Votes: 49 Trail Blazers limping toward finish line
Portland looks like a team that's thrown in the towel on the 2005-06 season. The Blazers lost their final nine games of March, and 10 of their 13 losses in the month came by double digits. Interestingly, their only two wins came against the Lakers and Suns. Nate McMillan doesn't know who he's going to get contributions from on any given night as evidenced by the fact that Portland had six different leading scorers in the final seven games of the month. Vote
Maurice
Cheeks 42%
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 34-38
Votes: 45 Pitiful month for Sixers, but they still hold down final playoff spot
Philadelphia started March with two wins, but finished it by losing 10 of the final 13 games. Included in those losses were double-digit disappointments against Toronto and Orlando. But while Allen Iverson has missed time due to injury and the Sixers have struggled mightily, they still would be the final playoff team in the East. With Chicago in the rearview mirror, Philly will have to turn it up in April. Vote
Jeff
Van Gundy 37%
Team: Houston Rockets
Record: 32-41
Votes: 54 Without T-Mac, Yao raises game to new level
The Rockets have endured a disappointing 2005-06 season, but Yao Ming is certainly salvaging something out of it. He averaged 27.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in March, but couldn't do it alone once Tracy McGrady's back acted up again. The Rockets won four straight early in the month, but followed that up by dropping six straight. Vote
Doc
Rivers 31%
Team: Boston Celtics
Record: 30-43
Votes: 70 Celtics struggle to put wins together
Boston continues to have difficulty putting together a winning streak. The Celtics have yet to win more than two in a row this season, which is quite amazing for a team playing over .400 ball. Boston only got two wins against winning teams all month (Indiana and Washington), but the Celtics have been able to beat the teams they should beat, for the most part. Vote
Mike
Montgomery 30%
Team: Golden State Warriors
Record: 30-42
Votes: 44 Loss of Baron Davis leads to roller coaster month
The Warriors were Jekyll and Hyde all month long - they won at Miami, Dallas and Sacramento, but lost to Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando. Baron Davis missed the last half of March with a sprained ankle and could miss the remainder of the season. His loss was certainly felt as it totally depleted the team's depth. Mike Montgomery has been rumored for a couple of college openings, but so far it's proven to be just that - rumor. Vote
Dwane
Casey 23%
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 31-42
Votes: 60 Wolves lose any chance at playoffs with terrible 10-day stretch
Minnesota lost seven straight games in a 10-day span in March, putting an end to its already-slim playoff hopes. The highlight of the month came on the 21st when the Wolves knocked off the Heat. The lowlight, besides Minnesota's apparent first non-playoff season in 10 years, continues to be the constant chatter about whether or not Kevin Garnett will be traded during the offseason. Stay tuned. Vote
Larry
Brown 17%
Team: New York Knicks
Record: 19-53
Votes: 369 Brown and Marbury continue war of words as losses mount
While Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury continue to agree to disagree about how Brown is running the team, among other things, the Knicks just keep on losing. On the positive, the Knicks won three more games in March (4) than they did in February (1), including a win over Detroit. But they also lost to Charlotte and Toronto, and lost the final seven games of the month. Vote
NBA Coach Approval Ratings - March
Gregg
Popovich 91%
Team: San Antonio Spurs
Record: 57-16
Votes: 310 Spurs remain consistent, hold on to top spot in West
San Antonio went 12-4 in March as the Spurs continue to hold off Dallas for home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs enjoyed quality wins against Dallas, Phoenix twice and the Clippers and Lakers on the road. And San Antonio's defense remained the key as the Spurs allowed 90.9 points per game in March. Vote
Flip
Saunders 90%
Team: Detroit Pistons
Record: 59-14
Votes: 419 Pistons suffer worst monthly record of season, still quite respectable
Most teams would welcome an 11-5 monthly record, but the Pistons aren't like most teams. Those five losses were the most they've had in any month this season. But they still have the best record in the NBA entering the final month of the regular season. Among those five losses was a defeat to Larry Brown and the Knicks. But the Pistons did beat Miami and Dallas in March, to prove they are the team to beat. Vote
Mike
Brown 89%
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Record: 44-29
Votes: 140 Cavs clinch first playoff berth in eight years
LeBron James was 13 years old the last time the Cavaliers reached the playoffs. With a convincing victory over Dallas, Cleveland clinched its first playoff berth since 1998 and is showing signs of progress as the playoffs near. As Cleveland appeared to be on its way to another post-All Star letdown, James took charge and wouldn't let the team falter. Flip Murray has also added a nice dimension at the defensive end on many nights. Cleveland finished March on a six-game winning streak. Vote
Avery
Johnson 88%
Team: Dallas Mavericks
Record: 55-19
Votes: 154 Mavericks endure worth month of season, look to rebound in April
Dallas has picked a poor time to begin a slide. After losing 11 games in the first four months of the season, Dallas lost eight games in the month of March alone. On the positive side, most of the team's losses came against some of the best teams in the NBA (Spurs, Suns, Nets, Pistons, Cavaliers). The Mavericks' late-season struggles are not the fault of Dirk Nowitzki, who continued his MVP-type season by averaging 30 points and 10 rebounds per game. Vote
Mike
Dunleavy 88%
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Record: 42-30
Votes: 57 Clippers solid, if not spectacular, as playoff drought nears end
The Clippers are looking pretty good now to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1997. They went 10-6 in March although they only had one high-quality victory (Spurs). However, the Clippers didn't suffer any terrible home losses, either, and have been able to remain in the No. 5 spot in the West. That would net them a matchup with the Mavericks in the first round currently, so a minor slip in April wouldn't be a total disappointment since they would get the third-seeded Nuggets instead. Vote
Lawrence
Frank 87%
Team: New Jersey Nets
Record: 44-28
Votes: 159 Nets pick good time to peak
New Jersey was just four games over .500 on the morning of March 12 after losing five of its previous six games. The Nets haven't lost since, winning 11 straight games to finish March, including victories over Dallas, Phoenix and on the road against Washington and Detroit. The emergence of Nenad Krstic as a consistent threat in the post has meant the world to New Jersey's Big Three of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson. Vote
Mike
D'Antoni 85%
Team: Phoenix Suns
Record: 49-24
Votes: 88 Poor defense and return of Amare seems to throw Suns off track slightly
On the surface, an 11-6 month doesn't appear too bad. But for the Phoenix Suns, there are a few holes to patch. The return of Amare Stoudemire from his knee injury appeared to throw off the team's rhythm more than help it. In addition, Phoenix allowed over 109 points per game and 49 percent shooting. The Suns suffered some bad losses - to the Spurs by 24, Nets by 38 and Bucks by 22. But with Stoudemire possibly out for the remainder of the season after his unsuccessful return, maybe the Suns can get back into gear knowing that they'll have to move forward without him. Vote
George
Karl 85%
Team: Denver Nuggets
Record: 41-33
Votes: 60 Carmelo and Nuggets continue to be class of Northwest Division
Denver went 11-5 in March, including a 5-2 road trip, and continued to easily outdistance the rest of the Northwest Division. Carmelo Anthony is a huge reason why. His maturation and consistency hasn't gone unnoticed. Anthony scored at least 30 points in eight of his last 10 games in March, as the Nuggets beat the likes of Detroit, Memphis and San Antonio. Vote
Eddie
Jordan 84%
Team: Washington Wizards
Record: 37-35
Votes: 50 Wizards maintain position in playoff race
Gilbert Arenas has the Wizards on track for yet another spot in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 first-round playoff series. This time, they would face the Cavaliers if they can hold onto the 5th seed. Washington has looked very impressive on some nights and only two of its eight March losses came against teams that currently would miss the playoffs (Boston and Houston); and those came by a combined 3 points. Vote
Phil
Jackson 84%
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 40-35
Votes: 261 Kobe putting Lakers on his back toward another playoff berth
Los Angeles went 10-7 in March and in comfortably in the 7th spot in the Western Conference playoff race entering April. Through March, Kobe Bryant had led the Lakers in scoring in 26 straight games. His leadership help the Lakers beat Detroit at home and win in San Antonio. However, on the nights where Kobe doesn't get much help, they are capable of losing to the two worst teams in the conference (Seattle and Portland). Vote
Byron
Scott 80%
Team: NO/Oklahoma City Hornets
Record: 35-37
Votes: 46 Hornets hanging onto playoff hopes by a thread after dreadful March
New Orleans/Oklahoma City may have run out of gas. The Hornets have just a couple more weeks to prove otherwise. Separate losing streaks of eight and four games put the Hornets behind the eight-ball for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs. Despite their difficulties maintaining a healthy roster, they entered April just two games behind Sacramento for that No. 8 seed. Vote
Jerry
Sloan 76%
Team: Utah Jazz
Record: 35-38
Votes: 50 Now healthy, Jazz still in mix for final playoff spot
With Carlos Boozer healthy and Andrei Kirilenko playing his very best, the Jazz are trying to rally for the final playoff berth in the West. But they'll have to rally and pass a couple teams in order to do so. In March, they enjoyed victories against the Clippers, Suns and Nuggets, but effectively canceled them out with losses to Charlotte, Seattle and Orlando. Vote
Rick
Adelman 75%
Team: Sacramento Kings
Record: 38-36
Votes: 72 Kings jump into eighth spot as April begins
Sacramento's 11-6 March, combined with a poor month by the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, has the Kings in command for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. It was their second straight winning month and it featured some very good wins. The Kings knocked off the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers and Nets - the latter two on the road. A very impressive month for a team that needed it. Vote
Mike
Woodson 75%
Team: Atlanta Hawks
Record: 22-50
Votes: 36 Joe Johnson outstanding, Hawks not so much in March
While the Hawks' poor season continues, Joe Johnson is playing hard to earn that big contract. In March, Johnson averaged 23.8 points and 7.7 assists per game, but Atlanta finished just 4-12. Three of those four wins came by one or two points. The road was unkind to the Hawks, as they lost their final seven away from Philips Arena. Vote
Sam
Mitchell 72%
Team: Toronto Raptors
Record: 26-47
Votes: 58 Raptors endure tough losses, including Bosh to sprained thumb
Toronto went 6-10 in March, but it could have easily been the other way around. The Raptors lost three games in overtime, including a game in which Charlie Villanueva scored 48 points against the Bucks. In addition, Chris Bosh sprained a thumb in that game and is out indefinitely. Toronto only recorded one victory against winning teams in March. Vote
Mike
Fratello 72%
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Record: 42-32
Votes: 46 Grizzlies continue to push for fifth in West
Although it's highly unlikely Pau Gasol will win the MVP award, he is certainly worthy of being in the conversation. His explosion this season is why the Grizzlies are pushing for the No. 5 seed in the West. They won seven straight games before ending March on a downer and losing their final three games. Vote
Terry
Stotts 70%
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Record: 37-36
Votes: 47 Bucks continue fight for 5th seed in the Eastern Conference
Milwaukee remains in the sixth spot entering April, but is right on the heels of the Wizards for the No. 5 seed in the East. The Bucks looked sluggish at the start of the month, losing four of five games. But despite injuries to Mo Williams and T.J. Ford, they've pulled through and even blasted the Suns by 22 points near the end of March. Charlie Bell recorded his first career triple-double in that victory. Vote
Scott
Skiles 68%
Team: Chicago Bulls
Record: 33-40
Votes: 44 Bulls take advantage of lesser opponents, still finish below .500 in March
The Bulls appear to be comfortable in their own skin. En route to a 7-9 month, Chicago defeated just one team with a winning record (New Jersey), but had no problem with lesser opponents like New York, Atlanta, Portland, Boston and Charlotte. The Bulls easily could've won games against Eastern heavyweights, Cleveland and Miami, only to lose by one point in each game. Vote
Brian
Hill 64%
Team: Orlando Magic
Record: 29-44
Votes: 36 Magic show signs of life, despite road woes
Orlando, which looked like a team that may have given up in February, offered encouraging signs in March with its first winning month of the season. The nine wins - the final of which came against Dallas - are more than the Magic had in January and February combined. And Orlando's 7-0 home record in the month is certainly something Brian Hill has to be pleased about as the team looks to finish on a positive note. Vote
Rick
Carlisle 62%
Team: Indiana Pacers
Record: 35-37
Votes: 218 Pacers struggle but still hang on to seventh spot in East
If you watched the Pacers in March, you know exactly why they can't shake free of the .500 mark. They didn't win consecutive games all month and finished the month with their first three-game losing streak since the end of January. This season, Indiana is a combined 0-9 versus Boston, Toronto and Atlanta, none of which will make the playoffs. Vote
Bob
Hill 58%
Team: Seattle SuperSonics
Record: 30-43
Votes: 53 Inconsistency rules March for Sonics
It was an up-and-down month for Bob Hill and Seattle. Five of the SuperSonics' seven wins came against teams that would currently make the playoffs. In addition, only one of their six losses came against teams that are set to miss the postseason. Coach Hill likely can live with that, but would like to see more consistency on a nightly basis and, of course, better defense which has been an issue all season. Vote
Pat
Riley 56%
Team: Miami Heat
Record: 48-25
Votes: 84 No one better than Miami in March
The Heat didn't even have Shaquille O'Neal for part of March. But no matter, as Miami tied with piping-hot New Jersey for the best record in the month (12-3). The Heat appear to be peaking at just the right time, assuming that Shaq remains healthy in April. Dwyane Wade has been remarkable, but Miami did play an easy schedule in March. The Heat faced just three teams with winning records the entire month. Vote
Bernie
Bickerstaff 54%
Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 20-54
Votes: 46 Bobcats' high-scoring games don't translate into victories
Charlotte, which has battled with injuries all season long, continued to be competitive in most games in March. The Bobcats played tough against the Heat, Cavaliers and Wizards (twice), but didn't get a win to show for it. In fact, they haven't beaten an opponent that currently has a winning record since they took care of the Lakers in early February. Vote
Nate
McMillan 49%
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 20-53
Votes: 49 Trail Blazers limping toward finish line
Portland looks like a team that's thrown in the towel on the 2005-06 season. The Blazers lost their final nine games of March, and 10 of their 13 losses in the month came by double digits. Interestingly, their only two wins came against the Lakers and Suns. Nate McMillan doesn't know who he's going to get contributions from on any given night as evidenced by the fact that Portland had six different leading scorers in the final seven games of the month. Vote
Maurice
Cheeks 42%
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Record: 34-38
Votes: 45 Pitiful month for Sixers, but they still hold down final playoff spot
Philadelphia started March with two wins, but finished it by losing 10 of the final 13 games. Included in those losses were double-digit disappointments against Toronto and Orlando. But while Allen Iverson has missed time due to injury and the Sixers have struggled mightily, they still would be the final playoff team in the East. With Chicago in the rearview mirror, Philly will have to turn it up in April. Vote
Jeff
Van Gundy 37%
Team: Houston Rockets
Record: 32-41
Votes: 54 Without T-Mac, Yao raises game to new level
The Rockets have endured a disappointing 2005-06 season, but Yao Ming is certainly salvaging something out of it. He averaged 27.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in March, but couldn't do it alone once Tracy McGrady's back acted up again. The Rockets won four straight early in the month, but followed that up by dropping six straight. Vote
Doc
Rivers 31%
Team: Boston Celtics
Record: 30-43
Votes: 70 Celtics struggle to put wins together
Boston continues to have difficulty putting together a winning streak. The Celtics have yet to win more than two in a row this season, which is quite amazing for a team playing over .400 ball. Boston only got two wins against winning teams all month (Indiana and Washington), but the Celtics have been able to beat the teams they should beat, for the most part. Vote
Mike
Montgomery 30%
Team: Golden State Warriors
Record: 30-42
Votes: 44 Loss of Baron Davis leads to roller coaster month
The Warriors were Jekyll and Hyde all month long - they won at Miami, Dallas and Sacramento, but lost to Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando. Baron Davis missed the last half of March with a sprained ankle and could miss the remainder of the season. His loss was certainly felt as it totally depleted the team's depth. Mike Montgomery has been rumored for a couple of college openings, but so far it's proven to be just that - rumor. Vote
Dwane
Casey 23%
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 31-42
Votes: 60 Wolves lose any chance at playoffs with terrible 10-day stretch
Minnesota lost seven straight games in a 10-day span in March, putting an end to its already-slim playoff hopes. The highlight of the month came on the 21st when the Wolves knocked off the Heat. The lowlight, besides Minnesota's apparent first non-playoff season in 10 years, continues to be the constant chatter about whether or not Kevin Garnett will be traded during the offseason. Stay tuned. Vote
Larry
Brown 17%
Team: New York Knicks
Record: 19-53
Votes: 369 Brown and Marbury continue war of words as losses mount
While Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury continue to agree to disagree about how Brown is running the team, among other things, the Knicks just keep on losing. On the positive, the Knicks won three more games in March (4) than they did in February (1), including a win over Detroit. But they also lost to Charlotte and Toronto, and lost the final seven games of the month. Vote