2011–12 NBA season explained

2011–12 NBA season
League:National Basketball Association
Sport:Basketball
Duration:December 25, 2011 – April 26, 2012
April 28 – June 9, 2012 (Playoffs)
June 12 – 21, 2012 (Finals)
No Of Games:66
No Of Teams:30
Tv:ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV
Draft:Draft
Draft Link:2011 NBA draft
Top Pick Link:List of first overall NBA draft picks
Top Pick:Kyrie Irving
Picked By:Cleveland Cavaliers
Season:Regular season
Top Seed:Chicago Bulls
Mvp:LeBron James (Miami)
Top Scorer:Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City)
Top Scorer Link:List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders
Playoffs:Playoffs
Playoffs Link:2012 NBA playoffs
Conf1:Eastern
Conf1 Link:Eastern Conference (NBA)
Conf1 Champ:Miami Heat
Conf1 Runner-Up:Boston Celtics
Conf2:Western
Conf2 Link:Western Conference (NBA)
Conf2 Champ:Oklahoma City Thunder
Conf2 Runner-Up:San Antonio Spurs
Finals:Finals
Finals Link:2012 NBA Finals
Finals Champ:Miami Heat
Finals Runner-Up:Oklahoma City Thunder
Finals Mvp:LeBron James (Miami)
Finals Mvp Link:Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
Seasonslist:List of NBA seasons
Seasonslistnames:NBA
Prevseason Link:2010–11 NBA season
Prevseason Year:2010–11
Nextseason Link:2012–13 NBA season
Nextseason Year:2012–13
Mvp Link:NBA Most Valuable Player Award

The 2011–12 NBA season was the 66th season of the National Basketball Association (NBA), which began with the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the owners of the 30 NBA teams and the NBA's players. The previous CBA, which was ratified in 2005, expired at 12:01 am EDT on July 1, 2011, resulting in a lockout. With the new deal in place, the regular season was shortened from the normal 82 games per team to 66, because of nearly two months of inactivity. This was the league's first season since 1991–92 without Shaquille O'Neal, who announced his retirement on June 1, 2011, via social media. A 4-time champion, O'Neal played 19 years for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. The season began on Christmas Day 2011, and ended on April 26, 2012. The playoffs started on April 28 and ended on June 21 when the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their series, 121–106, winning the Finals, 4–1 and to capture the franchise's second NBA title. LeBron James was named both the season MVP and the NBA Finals MVP. The NBA regular season would not begin again in December until the 2020–21 NBA season.

Transactions

See main article: List of 2011–12 NBA season transactions.

Free agency

Free agency started on December 9, 2011.

Coaching changes

Off-season
Team2010–11 coach2011–12 coach
Los Angeles LakersPhil JacksonMike Brown
Houston RocketsRick AdelmanKevin McHale
Golden State WarriorsKeith SmartMark Jackson
Toronto RaptorsJay TrianoDwane Casey
Detroit PistonsJohn KuesterLawrence Frank
Minnesota TimberwolvesKurt RambisRick Adelman
In-season
TeamOutgoing coachIncoming coach
Sacramento KingsPaul WestphalKeith Smart
Washington WizardsFlip SaundersRandy Wittman
New York KnicksMike D'AntoniMike Woodson
Portland Trail BlazersNate McMillanKaleb Canales

Off-season

In-season

2011 NBA lockout

See main article: 2011 NBA lockout. The lockout was the fourth work stoppage in the history of the NBA. It began at UTC (12:01 am EDT) on July 1, 2011. The main issues dividing the owners and the players were revenue sharing and the structure of the salary cap. During the lockout, teams could not trade, sign or contact players and players couldn't access NBA team facilities, trainers, or staff members. All preseason games (scheduled to begin October 9) and the first six weeks of the regular season (scheduled to begin November 1, through December 15) were canceled.[18] [19] Some players signed contracts to play in other countries, and most had the option to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ended. On November 26, 2011, after 15 hours of talks, a tentative deal was reached; once officially ratified, the NBA started a revised 2011–12 season.[20] Owners allowed players to have voluntary workouts at team sites starting December 1. On December 8, 2011, the lockout ended when the owners and players ratified a new CBA agreement.[21]

Preseason

Training camp began on December 9. A revised two-game preseason schedule took place.[22]

Regular season

A revised 66-game regular season began on December 25, 2011, with five Christmas Day games, two more than the original schedule.[23] The league built a new schedule from scratch based on available arena dates. In October, the league allowed arenas in Los Angeles and Chicago to reassign NBA dates for other events. The number of games between conferences was affected as was the case in the 1999 lockout, when each team played only five or six interconference games in a 50-game schedule. Normally, each team plays teams in the other conference twice each.[24] Teams played 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games in a 66-game schedule, compared to 52 conference games and 30 non-conference games in a normal 82-game season.[25] Teams played on average two more games per month and also were required to play three-consecutive games at least once in the season. In total, the league had 42 sets of back-to-back-to-back games throughout the season, with 11 teams playing two such sets. The exception was the then champion Dallas Mavericks, who never had a set of 3 consecutive back to backs.[26] The three-game set, or "triple", also occurred during the shortened 1998–99 season, which featured 64 triples and sloppier play due to tired players.[27] [28] Before that, the last occurrence was two decades earlier.[28] On 29 occasions during the season, teams played a stretch of five games in six days.[26] With fewer off days during the season, the level of play was lower due to fatigue, and some older players rested to avoid burnout and recuperate from injuries.[29] When the San Antonio Spurs rested Tim Duncan for a game in March at the end of a back-to-back-to-back, coach Gregg Popovich submitted the description of Duncan's injury as "Old".[30]

Standings

By division

Eastern Conference
  • Western Conference
  • By conference

    Notes

    Tiebreakers

    Western Conference

    Playoffs

    See main article: 2012 NBA playoffs. The 2012 NBA playoffs began on April 28, and concluded on June 21, 2012, when the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder.

    The Chicago Bulls were eliminated after losing Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to injuries, and the New York Knicks lost to the Miami Heat while losing Baron Davis and Iman Shumpert to knee injuries. The Heat were not immune, losing Chris Bosh for most of the playoffs en route to their championship. Commissioner David Stern initially said there was no connection between the injuries and the 66-game schedule compressed into 124 days; however, he backed off those comments a week later, saying more research was needed.

    This season also marked the final time that Kobe Bryant appeared in the playoffs, as an Achilles injury the following season prevented him from joining the Lakers for the 2013 first round.

    [31] [32]

    Bracket

    Statistics leaders

    Individual statistic leaders

    Category Player Team Statistics
    Points per game 28.0
    Rebounds per game 14.5
    Assists per game 11.7
    Steals per game 2.53
    Blocks per game 3.65
    Turnovers per game 4.0
    Fouls per game 4.0
    Minutes per game 39.4
    Efficiency per game 29.9
    FG% 67.9%
    FT% 92.7%
    3FG% 47.2%
    Double-Doubles 48
    Triple-Doubles 6

    Individual game highs

    Category Player Team Statistics
    Points 57
    Rebounds 30
    Assists 20
    New Jersey Nets
    Steals 8
    Utah Jazz
    Los Angeles Clippers
    Memphis Grizzlies
    Blocks 11
    Three Pointers 9
    Orlando Magic
    Detroit Pistons

    Team statistic leaders

    Category Team Statistics
    Points per game 108.7
    Rebounds per game 46.7
    Assists per game 24.0
    Steals per game 10.3
    Blocks per game 8.2
    Turnovers per game 16.4
    Fouls per game 23.2
    FG% 47.8%
    FT% 80.6%
    3FG% 39.3%
    +/- 8.2

    Notable occurrences

    Milestones and records

    See main article: article and List of NBA regular season records.

    Individual

    Team

    Awards

    Yearly awards

    LeBron James, Miami Heat[49]

    Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks[50]

    Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers[51]

    James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder[52]

    Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic[53]

    Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs[54]

    Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers[55]

    Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks[56]

    Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers[57]

    [58]

    [59]

    [60]

    Players of the week

    The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week.

    WeekEastern ConferenceWestern Conferenceclass=unsortableRef.
    Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 (Miami Heat) (1/6) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/3)[61]
    Jan. 2 – Jan. 8 (Miami Heat) (2/6) (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/2)[62]
    Jan. 9 – Jan. 15 (Chicago Bulls) (1/2) (Los Angeles Lakers) (2/2)[63]
    Jan. 16 – Jan. 22 (Orlando Magic) (1/1) (Memphis Grizzlies) (1/1)[64]
    Jan. 23 – Jan. 29 (Miami Heat) (3/6) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/2)[65]
    Jan. 30 – Feb. 5 (Boston Celtics) (1/2) (San Antonio Spurs) (1/1)[66]
    Feb. 6 – Feb. 12 (New York Knicks) (1/1) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/2)[67]
    Feb. 13 – Feb. 19 (Miami Heat) (4/6) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/3)[68]
    Feb. 27 – Mar. 4 (Chicago Bulls) (2/2) (Denver Nuggets) (1/1)[69]
    Mar. 5 – Mar. 11 (Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) (Golden State Warriors) (1/1)[70]
    Mar. 12 – Mar. 18 (Milwaukee Bucks) (1/1) (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/2)[71]
    Mar. 19 – Mar. 25 (Atlanta Hawks) (1/1) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (3/3)[72]
    Mar. 26 – Apr. 1 (Boston Celtics) (2/2) (Los Angeles Clippers) (1/1)[73]
    Apr. 2 – Apr. 8 (Miami Heat) (5/6) (Houston Rockets) (1/1)[74]
    Apr. 9 – Apr. 15 (Boston Celtics) (1/1) (Los Angeles Lakers) (2/2)[75]
    Apr. 16 – Apr. 22 (Miami Heat) (6/6) (Utah Jazz) (1/1)[76]

    Players of the month

    The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month.

    MonthEastern ConferenceWestern Conferenceclass=unsortableRef.
    December – January (Miami Heat) (1/2) (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1)[77]
    February (Miami Heat) (2/2) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/2)[78]
    March (Boston Celtics) (1/1) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/2)[79]
    April (New York Knicks) (1/1) (Los Angeles Clippers) (1/1)[80]

    Rookies of the month

    The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month.

    MonthEastern ConferenceWestern Conferenceclass=unsortableRef.
    December – January (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/3) (Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/1)[81]
    February (Cleveland Cavaliers) (2/3) (Sacramento Kings) (1/2)[82]
    March (Cleveland Cavaliers) (3/3) (Sacramento Kings) (2/2)[83]
    April (Atlanta Hawks) (1/1) (Denver Nuggets) (1/1)[84]

    Coaches of the month

    The following coaches were named the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month.

    MonthEastern ConferenceWestern Conferenceclass=unsortableRef.
    December – January (Chicago Bulls) (1/2) (Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/1)[85]
    February (Miami Heat) (1/1) (San Antonio Spurs) (1/2)[86]
    March (Chicago Bulls) (2/2) (San Antonio Spurs) (2/2)[87]
    April (Indiana Pacers) (1/1) (Memphis Grizzlies) (1/1)[88]

    Community Assist Award

    The following players won the Community Assist Award.

    MonthPlayerclass=unsortableRef.
    February (Portland Trail Blazers)[89]
    March (Charlotte Bobcats)
    April (Memphis Grizzlies)
    May (Los Angeles Lakers)

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Mike Brown Becomes 22nd Head Coach in Lakers History. Mike. Trudell. June 1, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 11, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604145256/http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/110531lakers_hire_mikebrown.html. June 4, 2011. live.
    2. Web site: No plans to return for Phil Jackson. Ramona. Shelburne. May 12, 2011. ESPN.com. June 22, 2011.
    3. Web site: Kevin McHale Named Rockets Head Coach. June 1, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 11, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110604205815/http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/kevin_mchale_named_rockets_hea_2011_06_01.html. June 4, 2011. live.
    4. Web site: Rockets And Adelman Part Ways. April 18, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 11, 2011.
    5. Web site: Warriors Name Mark Jackson Head Coach. June 6, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 11, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110610100435/http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors_name_mark_jackson_head_coach_060611.html. June 10, 2011. live.
    6. Web site: Keith Smart out as Warriors coach. April 28, 2011. ESPN.com. June 22, 2011.
    7. Web site: Raptors Name Dwane Casey Head Coach. June 21, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 21, 2011.
    8. Web site: Jay Triano out as Raptors coach. June 2, 2011. ESPN.com. June 22, 2011.
    9. Web site: Lawrence Frank introduced in Detroit. August 3, 2011. ESPN.com. August 4, 2011.
    10. Web site: Pistons fire coach John Kuester. June 5, 2011. ESPN.com. June 22, 2011.
    11. Web site: Rick Adelman looks to rebuild Wolves. September 28, 2011. ESPN.com. September 28, 2011.
    12. Web site: Timberwolves part ways with head coach Kurt Rambis. July 12, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 23, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110715193416/http://www.nba.com/2011/news/07/12/rambis-wolves.ap/index.html. July 15, 2011. dead.
    13. Web site: Kings Relieve Paul Westphal of Coaching Duties. January 5, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. January 6, 2012.
    14. Web site: Kings Name Keith Smart As Team's Head Coach. January 5, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. January 6, 2012.
    15. Web site: Wizards Relieve Saunders of Coaching Duties. January 24, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. January 24, 2012.
    16. Web site: Embattled D'Antoni, stumbling Knicks part ways. March 14, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 14, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120316232517/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/14/knicks-dantoni-resigns.ap/. March 16, 2012. dead.
    17. Web site: Trail Blazers fire coach Nate McMillan . March 15, 2012 . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc . March 15, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120316091913/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/15/blazers-mcmillan-fired.ap/index.html . March 16, 2012 .
    18. Web site: NBA releases game, broadcast schedule for 2011–12 season. July 19, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 29, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20150606074558/http://www.nba.com/2011/news/07/19/2011-2012-schedule/. June 6, 2015. dead.
    19. Web site: NBA games canceled through Nov. 30. ESPN.com (ESPN Internet Ventures). October 28, 2011. October 28, 2011.
    20. News: Tentative NBA deal reached . November 26, 2011 . ESPN.com . November 26, 2011.
    21. News: Players, owners approve agreement . ESPN.com . December 8, 2011 .
    22. News: Beck . Howard . Two Exhibition Games for N.B.A. Teams . November 28, 2011 . The New York Times . November 28, 2011.
    23. News: NBA adds 2 games to Christmas opener . December 2, 2011 . ESPN.com . Associated Press . https://web.archive.org/web/20111204003522/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7306655/orlando-magic-okc-thunder-la-clippers-golden-state-warriors-added-christmas . December 4, 2011 . live . mdy .
    24. News: Beck . Howard . That 2011–12 N.B.A. Schedule? Never Mind . October 26, 2011 . The New York Times . B19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220623134346/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/sports/basketball/nba-schedule-is-moot-as-arena-dates-are-given-up.html?_r=2&ref=sports . June 23, 2022 . dead . mdy-all . February 26, 2017 .
    25. News: Banks . Lacy J. . NBA's 66-game schedule is definitely hectic . November 27, 2011 . Chicago Sun-Times . https://web.archive.org/web/20111130184249/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/9102076-579/nbas-66-game-schedule-is-definitely-hectic.html . November 30, 2011 . live . mdy .
    26. News: Borzi . Pat . No Rest (but Four Wins) for the Weary Bulls . January 13, 2012 . The New York Times . B9 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220607091621/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/sports/basketball/nbas-bulls-survive-five-games-in-six-nights.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all . June 7, 2022 . dead . mdy-all . February 26, 2017 .
    27. News: NBA announces shortened 66-game schedule . December 6, 2011 . CBS Sports .
    28. News: Beck . Howard . N.B.A. Schedule a Cram Course for Teams . December 7, 2011 . The New York Times . B12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220607091714/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/sports/basketball/nba-schedule-a-cram-course-for-teams.html?_r=1 . June 7, 2022 . live . mdy .
    29. News: Haper . Jake . Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, LA Clippers star Blake Griffin discuss impact of shortened NBA season . April 28, 2012 . foxsports.com.au . https://archive.today/20240526112018/https://www.webcitation.org/6DbYd0QR2?url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/other-sports/basketball/boston-celtics-coach-doc-rivers-la-clippers-star-blake-griffin-discuss-impact-of-shortened-nba-season/story-e6frf3f3-1226341578871 . May 26, 2024 . live . mdy .
    30. News: Dwyer . Kelly . Tim Duncan missed Sunday night's Spurs game because he's 'old,' officially . March 26, 2012 . yahoo.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20130312142740/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html . March 12, 2013 . live . mdy .
    31. News: Zillgitt . Jeff . NBA deals with postseason trauma as stars go down . May 15, 2012 . USA Today . https://web.archive.org/web/20150114173905/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/story/2012-05-14/NBA-playoff-trauma-with-Derrick-Rose-Chris-Bosh-injuries/54964494/1 . January 14, 2015 . live . mdy .
    32. News: Stern suggests shortened training camp may be reason for injury trend . May 9, 2012 . SportingNews.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120711013016/http://aol.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2012-05-09/baron-davis-dwight-howard-derrick-rose-injury-david-stern-nba-playoffs-injuries . July 11, 2012 . live . mdy .
    33. News: Beck . Howard . N.B.A. Reopens to Business as Unusual . December 10, 2011 . D1 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220609214245/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/10/sports/basketball/nba-basketball-roundup.html?_r=2&ref=basketball&pagewanted=all . June 9, 2022 . The New York Times . dead . mdy-all . February 26, 2017 .
    34. News: Teams still pushing for Paul trade. Adrian Wojnarowski. Adrian. Wojnarowski. Yahoo! Sports. December 9, 2011.
    35. News: Cavs owner wanted trade blocked . December 8, 2011 . Yahoo! News Network . https://web.archive.org/web/20111209235025/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-nba_dan_gilbert_email_lakers_hornets_trade_120811 . December 9, 2011 . live . mdy .
    36. News: Criticism of NBA's handling of Paul trade pouring in . December 9, 2011 . NBA.com . Associated Press . https://web.archive.org/web/20120107222306/http://www.nba.com/2011/news/12/09/trade-criticism.ap/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2 . January 7, 2012 . dead . mdy-all . December 9, 2011 .
    37. News: Stein. Marc. Sources: Teams lobby over Paul ruling. December 9, 2011. ESPN.com. December 9, 2011.
    38. News: Stein . Marc . Sources: Lakers out of Chris Paul talks . December 9, 2011 . ESPN.com . December 9, 2011.
    39. News: Clippers acquire four-time All-Star Chris Paul. NBA.com. December 14, 2011.
    40. Web site: John Lucas, Luol Deng spark Bulls' rally against Raptors. https://web.archive.org/web/20120331043208/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=320321028. dead. March 31, 2012. March 21, 2012. April 1, 2012. ESPN.com.
    41. News: Joe Johnson scores 37 as Hawks top Jazz in first 4OT game since '97 . March 25, 2012 . ESPN.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120326033112/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320325001 . dead . March 26, 2012 . March 26, 2012.
    42. Web site: Ginobili leads Spurs past Jazz, 104–89. December 31, 2011. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.. January 4, 2012.
    43. Web site: Gallinari scores 20 as Nuggets beat Lakers, 99–90. January 1, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.. January 4, 2012.
    44. News: Dwight Howard breaks FT attempts mark as Magic top Warriors . January 12, 2012 . ESPN.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120114125909/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320112009 . January 14, 2012 . dead . mdy .
    45. Web site: Kobe Tops Kareem, & Jerry . LAL . 2010-04-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120204070343/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2012/01/31/kobe-sets-more-lakers-records/ . February 4, 2012 . dead .
    46. Web site: Kobe surpasses 29,000 points. March 9, 2012. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.. March 10, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120313212613/http://blog.lakers.com/lakers/2012/03/09/kobe-surpasses-29000-points/. March 13, 2012. dead.
    47. News: Tom Thibodeau fastest to 100 wins as Bulls unload on Magic . March 19, 2012 . ESPN.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120320075634/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320319019. dead. March 20, 2012. March 19, 2012.
    48. News: Devine . Dan . Video: Kobe Bryant moves past Michael Jordan on single-franchise scoring list, still wants the ball . March 28, 2012 . yahoo.com . March 29, 2012.
    49. Web site: LeBron James wins 2012 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 12, 2012. May 12, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120512222808/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/12/mvp-release/index.html. May 12, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    50. Web site: Knicks' Chandler wins Kia Defensive Player of Year. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 2, 2012. May 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120507222043/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/02/dpoy-release/. May 7, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    51. Web site: Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving named Kia Rookie of the Year . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc . May 15, 2012 . May 15, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120517101149/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/15/rookie-of-the-year-release/index.html . May 17, 2012 .
    52. Web site: Thunder's Harden wins 2011–12 NBA Sixth Man Award . NBA.com . May 10, 2012 . May 10, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120513052516/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/10/sixth-man-release/index.html . May 13, 2012 .
    53. Web site: Magic's Ryan Anderson wins Kia Most Improved Player Award. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. May 4, 2012. May 4, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120507223034/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/04/most-improved-player/. May 7, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    54. Web site: Spurs' Popovich named Coach of the Year. May 1, 2012. May 1, 2012. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. NBA.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20120507233208/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/01/coach-of-the-year/index.html. May 7, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    55. Web site: Indiana's Larry Bird named 2011–12 Executive of the Year . NBA.com . May 16, 2012 . May 16, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120519070545/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/16/executive-of-the-year/index.html . May 19, 2012 .
    56. Web site: Kidd honored with 2011–12 NBA Sportsmanship Award . NBA.com . May 3, 2012 . May 3, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120508001051/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/03/sportsmanship-award/index.html . May 8, 2012 .
    57. Web site: Lakers' Gasol wins J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. NBA.com. May 18, 2012. May 18, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120519165914/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/18/citizenship-award-release/index.html. May 19, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    58. Web site: LeBron, Durant highlight 2011–12 All-NBA First Team. NBA. May 24, 2012. May 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120622235136/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/24/all-NBA-teams/index.html. June 22, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    59. Web site: Heat's James top vote-getter among All-Defensive Team picks. NBA. May 23, 2012. May 23, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120525090004/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/23/nba-all-defensive-team-2011-2012/index.html. May 25, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    60. Web site: Irving, Rubio headline 2011–12 NBA All-Rookie First Team. NBA. May 22, 2012. May 22, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120525095317/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/05/22/all-rookie-team-release/index.html. May 25, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    61. Web site: LeBron, Durant named NBA Players of the Week. NBA.com. January 3, 2012. January 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120110164849/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/01/03/players-of-the-week/index.html. January 10, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    62. Web site: Heat's James, Lakers' Bryant named Players of the Week. NBA.com. January 9, 2012. January 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120119043503/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/01/09/players-of-the-week/index.html. January 19, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    63. Web site: Bulls' Rose, Lakers' Bryant named NBA Players of the Week. NBA.com. January 16, 2012. January 17, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120123042004/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/01/16/rose-bryant-pow/index.html. January 23, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    64. Web site: Magic's Howard, Grizzlies' Gasol named Players of the Week. January 23, 2012. NBA.com. January 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120127065257/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/01/23/players-of-the-week/index.html. January 27, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    65. Web site: Heat's James, Thunder's Westbrook named Players of the Week. January 30, 2012. NBA.com. January 31, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121108075654/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/01/30/players-of-the-week/index.html. November 8, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    66. Web site: Celtics' Pierce, Spurs' Parker named Players of the Week. February 6, 2012. NBA.com. February 6, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20151219182351/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/06/players-of-the-week/index.html. December 19, 2015. dead. mdy-all.
    67. National Basketball Association . Knicks' Lin, Thunder's Westbrook named Players of the Week . February 13, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120215190658/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/13/players-of-the-week/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2 . February 15, 2012 . dead . mdy-all . February 13, 2012 .
    68. National Basketball Association . Heats' James, Thunder's Durant named Players of the Week . February 20, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120220220814/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/20/lebron-james-kevin-durant-players-of-week/index.html . February 20, 2012 . dead . mdy-all . February 21, 2012 .
    69. National Basketball Association . Rose, Lawson claim Player of Week honors . March 5, 2012 . March 6, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120306160827/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/05/derrick-rose-ty-lawson-players-of-the-week/index.html . dead . mdy-all . March 5, 2012 .
    70. Bucks' Ilyasova, Warriors' Ellis named Player of Week . March 12, 2012 . NBA.com . March 12, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120314042403/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/12/players-of-the-week/index.html . March 14, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    71. Bucks' Gooden, Lakers' Bynum named Players of the Week . March 19, 2012 . NBA.com . March 19, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120320220109/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/19/players-of-the-week/index.html . March 20, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    72. Durant, Johnson named Players of the Week . March 19, 2012 . NBA.com . March 26, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120330074603/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/26/players-of-the-week-joe-johnson-kevin-durant/index.html . March 30, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    73. C's Pierce, Clippers' Paul named Players of the Week. April 1, 2012. NBA.com. April 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120405172231/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/02/players-of-the-week/index.html. April 5, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    74. Rockets' Dragic, Heat's James named Players of the Week . April 9, 2012 . NBA.com . April 9, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120413030741/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/09/players-of-the-week-lebron-james-goran-dragic/index.html . April 13, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    75. Celtics' Garnett and Lakers' Bynum named Players of the Week . April 16, 2012 . NBA.com . April 16, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120419011142/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/16/players-of-the-week/index.html . April 19, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    76. Jazz's Jefferson, Heat's James named Players of the Week . April 23, 2012 . NBA.com . April 26, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120425211134/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/23/players-of-the-week-al-jefferson-lebron-james/index.html . April 25, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
    77. Web site: James, Bryant named Eastern, Western players of the month. February 3, 2012. NBA.com. February 3, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120204054445/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/03/players-of-the-month-jan/index.html. February 4, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    78. Web site: LeBron James, Kevin Durant win Player of the Month honors. March 2, 2012. NBA.com. March 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120303014534/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/02/players-of-the-month-feb/index.html. March 3, 2012. dead.
    79. Web site: Pierce, Durant named Eastern, Western players of the month. April 4, 2012. NBA.com. April 4, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120407232617/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/04/pierce-durant/index.html. April 7, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    80. Web site: Knicks' Anthony, Clippers' Paul win monthly honors for April. April 27, 2012. NBA.com. April 28, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120430212532/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/27/april-pow-release/index.html. April 30, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    81. Web site: Irving, Rubio take Rookie of the Month honors for January. February 1, 2012. NBA.com. February 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120210020044/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/01/rookies-of-month/index.html. February 10, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    82. Web site: Irving, Thomas take Rookie of the Month honors for February. March 1, 2012. NBA.com. March 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120304223726/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/01/feb-rookies-of-month/index.html. March 4, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    83. Web site: Irving, Thomas named Rookies of the Month. April 1, 2012. NBA.com. April 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120405172237/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/02/rookies-of-the-month/index.html. April 5, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    84. Web site: Hawks' Johnson, Nuggets' Faried get Rookie of Month honors. April 27, 2012. NBA.com. April 27, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120428183637/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/27/rookies-of-the-month-april/index.html. April 28, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    85. Web site: Thibodeau, Brooks named Coaches of the Month. February 1, 2012. NBA.com. February 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120209215759/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/02/01/coaches-of-the-month/index.html. February 9, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    86. Web site: Spoelstra, Popovich named Coaches of the Month. March 1, 2012. NBA.com. March 1, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120302170949/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/03/01/feb-coachs-of-month/index.html. March 2, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    87. Web site: Thibodeau, Popovich named coaches of the month. April 1, 2012. NBA.com. April 2, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120405034221/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/02/coaches-of-the-month/index.html. April 5, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    88. Web site: Pacers' Vogel, Grizzlies' Hollins named Coaches of the Month. April 27, 2012. NBA.com. April 27, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120428133032/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/04/27/coaches-of-the-month-april/index.html. April 28, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
    89. 2012–13 Official NBA Guide