NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2002 -- Dallas’ Michael Finley, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki and Orlando’s Tracy McGrady today were named Western Conference and Eastern Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played from opening night (Oct. 29) through the end of November.

Finley (21.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game), Nash (18.3 point and 7.8 assists) and Nowitzki (21.6 points and 11.3 rebounds) combined for 61.2 points, 20.8 rebounds, 13.5 assists and 4.13 steals per game while leading the Mavericks to a 15-1 record through November.


Finley
Nash
Nowitzki
McGrady
McGrady averaged a league-high 31.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.25 blocks and 1.19 steals while the Magic finished November with a 10-7 record.

Here is a look at highlights from the month for Finley, Nash, Nowitzki and McGrady:

Michael Finley, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

  • Finley, Nash or Nowitzki has led the team in scoring in all 16 games this season.
  • Finley and Nowitzki have 15 double-doubles between them.
  • Nash has led the Mavericks in assists in all 16 games while shooting 40.0 percent (16-40) from three-point range.
  • Nowitzki leads the team in scoring and rebounds and recorded 10 games of 20 or more points.
  • November 27 at Detroit: Finley scored a career-high 42 points in a 102-82 win over the Pistons.

    Tracy McGrady, Orlando Magic

  • November 2 at Milwaukee: Had a season-high 47 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a 100-90 win over the Bucks.
  • November 5 vs. Sacramento: Had 41 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 125-121 win over the Kings.
  • November 17 at Sacramento: Scored 36 points while adding 14 rebounds, seven assists and a block in a 101-99 loss to the Kings.
  • November 19 at Seattle: Had 41 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals in a 101-84 win over the Sonics.

    Other Eastern Conference candidates for NBA Player of the Month included Boston’s Paul Pierce, Detroit’s Ben Wallace, Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal, New Jersey’s Jason Kidd, New Orleans’ Jamal Mashburn and Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson.

    Western Conference candidates for NBA Player of the Month included Houston’s Steve Francis, Los Angeles Clippers’ Elton Brand, Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett, Sacramento’s Chris Webber, and Seattle’s Gary Payton.