
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray on Thursday were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month for games played in January, the league announced.
The two players each won the award in December.
Banchero is the third player in team history to win the award in consecutive months, joining Shaquille O'Neal and Mike Miller. He averaged 20.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 14 games, and led the rookie class in scoring and minutes during the month.
Murray averaged 14 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 49.5% shooting from 3-point range in 15 games. His 48 total 3-pointers were the most ever by a rookie in the month of January, and ninth-most among all players this season.
He is the fourth rookie in team history to win in back-to-back months.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey were also nominated for the award from the Eastern Conference. In the West: Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston), Walker Kessler (Utah), Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio) and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City).
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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire