WASHINGTON, DC – Wizards guard Bradley Beal was named Kia NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for January, the NBA announced today.
Beal led all rookies in three-point field goal percentage (.508) while leading all Eastern Conference rookies in scoring (15.1 ppg) and three-pointers made (32). The former Florida Gator tallied five 20+ point games in the month while scoring a career-high 26 at Sacramento on 1/26, connecting on a rookie franchise-best six three-pointers.
The 6-3 guard is the first rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010 to shoot at least .500 from three-point range (min. 50 attempts) in a calendar month. He nailed the game-winning field goal with 0.3 seconds left to defeat Oklahoma City at home on 1/7 and finished the month ranked fourth among all players in three-point field percentage while leading his team in scoring at 15.1 ppg.
Beal is only the second player in franchise history to win this award more than once (John Wall 2009-10, January, February, March, April). He has appeared in 41 games, 39 starts, and holds season averages of 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 31.0 minutes per game.