NBA: Spurs' Popovich, Bulls' Thibodeau cited as Coaches of the Month

The NBA announced via press release Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) that San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and Chicago Bulls mentor Tom Thibodeau have been named as NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month and NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, respectively, for March.   Under the veteran Popovich, the Spurs posted a 12-3 record during the month, best in the Western Conference. During that span, San Antonio managed a seven-game streak and won nine of their squad's last 10 encounters, with the normally defense-first squad norming 107.1 points per game, best in the league.   Thibodeau on the other hand, guided his Bulls to a league-best 13-3 mark, including a perfect 6-0 tally on the road. Known for his ability to teach defense as an assistant coach, Thibodeau has carried that over to Chicago, as his charges have held opponents to just 43 percent shooting from the field, a league-best mark. He also recorded his 100th career win in a blowout victory on March 19 (March 20, PHL time) against the Orlando Magic, becoming the fastest coach in NBA history to notch 100 victories.   Also considered for the monthly prize were Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks and Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics. — Adrian Dy/RSJ, GMA News