2008–09 NBA season

63rd NBA season August 2023 2008–09 NBA season National Basketball Association Basketball October 28, 2008 – April 16, 2009 April 18 – May 30, 2009 (Playoffs) June 4 – 14, 2009 (Finals) 82 30 ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV Draft 2008 NBA draft Derrick Rose List of first overall NBA draft picks Chicago Bulls Regular season Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James (Cleveland) NBA Most Valuable Player Award Dwyane Wade (Miami) List of National Basketball Association annual scoring leaders Playoffs 2009 NBA playoffs Eastern Eastern Conference (NBA) Orlando Magic Cleveland Cavaliers Western Western Conference (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers Denver Nuggets Finals 2009 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers Orlando Magic Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award List of NBA seasons NBA 2007–08 NBA season 2007–08 2009–10 NBA season 2009–10 The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals, four games to one. The 2008 NBA draft was held on June 28, 2008, and Derrick Rose was selected first overall by the Chicago Bulls and eventually was awarded the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. The 2009 NBA All-Star Game was hosted at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. The Western Conference All-Stars defeated the Eastern Conference All-Stars 146–119. The All-Star Game co-MVPs were Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/allstargame_recaps.html All-Star Game: Year-by-Year Results 2010-06-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20120413192040/http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/allstargame_recaps.html 2012-04-13 dead This was the first NBA season since 1966–67 without a Seattle franchise, as the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in July 2008 and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Transactions List of 2008–09 NBA season transactions Coaching changes Offseason Team 2007–08 coach 2008–09 coach Charlotte Bobcats Sam Vincent Larry Brown Chicago Bulls Jim Boylan Vinny Del Negro Milwaukee Bucks Larry Krystkowiak Scott Skiles Miami Heat Pat Riley Erik Spoelstra New York Knicks Isiah Thomas Mike D'Antoni Dallas Mavericks Avery Johnson Rick Carlisle Detroit Pistons Flip Saunders Michael Curry Phoenix Suns Mike D'Antoni Terry PorterIn-season Team Outgoing coach New coach Oklahoma City Thunder P. J. Carlesimo Scott Brooks (interim) Washington Wizards Eddie Jordan Ed Tapscott (interim) Toronto Raptors Sam Mitchell Jay Triano (interim) Minnesota Timberwolves Randy Wittman Kevin McHale (interim) Philadelphia 76ers Maurice Cheeks Tony DiLeo (interim) Sacramento Kings Reggie Theus Kenny Natt (interim) Memphis Grizzlies Marc Iavaroni Lionel Hollins Phoenix Suns Terry Porter Alvin Gentry (interim) On November 21, 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder fired head coach P. J. Carlesimo and assistant coach Paul Westhead after a 1–12 start. Scott Brooks was named interim head coach for the rest of the season.Thunder fire Carlesimo; Brooks named interim coach NBA.com http://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/22/thunder.carlesimo.ap/index.html?rss=true 2008-12-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20090115102628/http://www.nba.com/2008/news/11/22/thunder.carlesimo.ap/index.html?rss=true 15 January 2009 live On November 24, 2008, the Washington Wizards fired head coach Eddie Jordan after a 1–10 start. Ed Tapscott took over for the remainder of the season.Wizards Relieve Eddie Jordan of Head Coaching Duties NBA.com http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/jordan_081124.html 2008-12-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20081203031554/http://www.nba.com/wizards/news/jordan_081124.html 3 December 2008 live On December 3, 2008, the Toronto Raptors fired head coach Sam Mitchell, one day after the team lost by 39 points against the Denver Nuggets. Jay Triano was named the team's interim head coach.Mitchell Relieved Of Duties, Jay Triano Takes Over On Interim Basis. Triano becomes the first coach in the NBA to be born in Canada. NBA.com http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html 2008-12-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206081910/http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/mitchell_120308.html 6 December 2008 live On December 8, 2008, the Minnesota Timberwolves fired head coach Randy Wittman after a 4–15 start to the season. Kevin McHale was announced as his replacement.Wolves Relieve Head Coach Randy Wittman NBA.com http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Relieve_Randy_Wittman_o-292279-1193.html 2008-12-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211051949/http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/Wolves_Relieve_Randy_Wittman_o-292279-1193.html 11 December 2008 live On December 13, 2008, the Philadelphia 76ers fired head coach Maurice Cheeks after a 9–14 start. Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo was appointed interim head coach for the rest of the season.76ers fire Maurice Cheeks; Tony DiLeo named interim coach NBA.com http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/13/cheeks.fired.ap/index.html 2008-12-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20081217022803/http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/13/cheeks.fired.ap/index.html 17 December 2008 live On December 15, 2008, the Sacramento Kings fired head coach Reggie Theus after a 6–18 start to the season. Assistant coach Kenny Natt was appointed interim head coach.Kings fire coach Theus ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3770825 2008-12-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20081216045057/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3770825 16 December 2008 live On January 22, 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Marc Iavaroni. Assistant coach Johnny Davis was appointed interim head coach, and three days later, Lionel Hollins took over as head coach. On February 16, 2009, the Phoenix Suns fired head coach Terry Porter. He was replaced by Alvin Gentry. Notable occurrences July On July 2, 2008, the city of Seattle and the Seattle SuperSonics (owned by the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based Professional Basketball Club LLC) reached a settlement where the defendants agreed to pay $45 million to relocate the team to Oklahoma City, retain the SuperSonics' players, coaches, and contracts, and "share" the SuperSonics' franchise history with a hypothetical future Seattle team. However, the SuperSonics name, colors, and logo remained reserved for a future Seattle club.Local News Sonics, city reach settlement Seattle Times Newspaper http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008030229_sonitrial02.html The Seattle Times https://archive.today/20080703210555/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008030229_sonitrial02.html July 3, 2008 dead 2009-03-22 July 2, 2008 The team was named the Oklahoma City Thunder on September 3, 2008. On July 23, 2008, restricted free agent Josh Childress signed with Euroleague club Olympiacos for three years and $20 million net (the biggest signing in Euroleague history), marking the first departure of an American-born player to Europe in the prime of his career.ESPN – Ex-Hawk Childress signs with Greek club team – NBA October On October 11, 2008, the NBA's first outdoor game in more than three decades was held on the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. The game was played between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, who played the last outdoor game against the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972.http://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/outdoor_exhibition_game_021908.html Nuggets to PlayOutdoor Preseason Game in Indian Wells, CA February 19, 2008 October 11, 2009 NBA.com/Nuggets Turner Sports Interactive, Inc https://web.archive.org/web/20091010181750/http://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/outdoor_exhibition_game_021908.html 10 October 2009 livehttp://www.nba.com/games/20081011/DENPHX/recap.html Nuggets 77, Suns 72 October 12, 2008 October 11, 2009 NBA.com Turner Sports Interactive, Inc On October 23, 2008, the NBA Board of Governors (owners) approved expanded use of instant replays for this season to determine if made baskets would be worth two or three points, and to award either two or three free throws on shooting fouls.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2008-10-23-2506813686_x.htm NBA to allow expanded use of instant replay October 23, 2008 March 31, 2011 USA Today December On December 10, 2008, Carmelo Anthony scored 33 of his season-high 45 points in the third quarter in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, breaking the franchise record and equaling the league record for most points in a quarter.Anthony scores Nuggets team-record 33 in quarter NBA.com http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/10/melo.record.ap/index.html 2008-12-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20081211211945/http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/10/melo.record.ap/index.html 11 December 2008 dead On December 11, 2008, Cuttino Mobley retired from the NBA because of a severe case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease.Mobley forced to retire ESPN https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3762828 2008-12-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20081212141652/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3762828 12 December 2008 live On December 25, 2008, the Los Angeles Lakers broke the Boston Celtics' 19-game winning streak in a rematch of the previous season's NBA Finals.https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/lakers-break-celtics-streak-1.707618?ref=rss Lakers break Celtics' streak December 25, 2008 March 31, 2011 CBC Sports January On January 22, 2009, Alonzo Mourning retired from the NBA after 15 seasons.https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3852288 Mourning runs out of NBA comebacks January 23, 2009 March 31, 2011 ESPN February On February 4, 2009, LeBron James's 52-point triple-double against the New York Knicks on February 4 was negated by subtracting a rebound from his total. The negated rebound was given to Ben Wallace. James would have been the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975 to have a 50-point triple-double.http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-37891620090207 https://web.archive.org/web/20180629230847/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-37891620090207 dead June 29, 2018 James's triple-double stripped by NBA after review February 7, 2009 March 31, 2011 Reuters On February 5, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers broke another Celtic winning streak this time at 12-game winning streak, joining a short list of teams to break two 12+ game win streaks in a season.http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29042111/ Lakers Snap Celtics' 12-Game Win Streak February 6, 2009 March 31, 2011 NBC Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20100113150932/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29042111 January 13, 2010 dead On February 8, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers broke the Cleveland Cavaliers' 23-game home-winning streak. In doing so, the Lakers became the first team in NBA history to win back-to-back games on the road (Boston and Cleveland) against teams with .800-plus win percentages at least 40 games into the season.http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290208005/la-lakers-lakers-vs-cleveland-cavaliers https://web.archive.org/web/20100504161710/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290208005/la-lakers-lakers-vs-cleveland-cavaliers dead May 4, 2010 Odom's dominance covers for sickly Kobe as Lakers sweep Cavs March 31, 2011 ESPN NBA All-Star Break The 2009 NBA All-Star Game was played at the US Airways Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, on February 15, 2009, with the West winning 146–119 and the Phoenix Suns' Shaquille O'Neal and Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant being named the Co-MVPs. During the NBA All-Star Weekend, Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks won the Sprite Slam Dunk competition; Kevin Durant, who won the Rookie Challenge MVP, also won the inaugural H.O.R.S.E Competition and Miami's Daequan Cook beat Rashard Lewis in a tiebreaker to win the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout. On February 20, 2009, Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller died from complications of diabetes at the age of 64.https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3922880 Jazz owner Miller dies at 64 February 21, 2009 March 31, 2011 ESPN On February 20, 2009, the Phoenix Suns became the first team since the 1990 Portland Trail Blazers to have three consecutive games of scoring 140 points or more.https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009022021&prov=ap Barbosa's 41 lead Suns past Thunder, 140–118 February 21, 2009 March 31, 2011 Yahoo! Sports On February 22, 2009, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Steve Blake tied an NBA record by recording 14 assists in the first quarter in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-23-sp-clippers-blazers23-story.html Portland's Steve Blake ties assists record in win over Clippers February 23, 2009 March 31, 2011 Los Angeles Times On February 26, 2009, Chicago Bulls legends Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr died at the ages of 61 and 76, respectively.https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3937425 Van Lier found dead at home February 27, 2009 March 31, 2011 ESPN March On March 3, 2009, in the NBA's third annual Noche Latina event, a program that recognizes the NBA's fans and players from across Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities, the Los Angeles Lakers wore celebratory jerseys (with the wording Los Lakers) in their 99–89 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Los-Lakers-Los-Spurs-and-other-Noche-Latina-jer?urn=nba,145723 Los Lakers, Los Spurs and other Noche Latina jerseys Skeets J.E. March 4, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20170221094709/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Los-Lakers-Los-Spurs-and-other-Noche-Latina-jer?urn=nba,145723 February 21, 2017 Noche Latina celebrations took place in eight of the top ten American Hispanic markets in the NBA this season (up from four in 2007–08): Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Chicago, Houston and New York. On March 10, 2009, the Utah Jazz won their 12th game in a row. That was the fourth-longest win streak in franchise history and the longest since 1999. It was later broken by a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.Jazz streak longest since '99 / Utah makes it 12 straight wins, beats Pacers – Standard.NET – Standard-Examiner http://www.standard.net/live/sports/166635/ https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231056/http://www.standard.net/live/sports/166635/ 2016-03-03 dead 2009-03-22 http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11892755 Utah Jazz: Win streak ends in Atlanta March 12, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090313013721/http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11892755 March 13, 2009 On March 13, 2009, Detroit Pistons owner William Davidson died at the age of 86.https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3979385 Pistons owner Davidson dies at 86 March 15, 2009 March 31, 2011 ESPN On March 13, 2009, the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Chicago Bulls at their former home, the Wachovia Spectrum, instead of their regular home, the Wachovia Center. The Sixers left the Spectrum following the 1995–96 season to move to the former John F. Kennedy Stadium site.http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/schedule_080806.html Bulls game at Wachovia Spectrum highlights Sixers 2008–09 schedule March 31, 2011 NBA.com On March 15, 2009, the Phoenix Suns scored the third-highest number of points in a regulation game—without overtime—in a 154–130 win against the Golden State Warriors. They also scored 56 fast-break points, the highest recorded since the league began tracking the stat in 1997.Suns explode against Warriors http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/03/15/20090315spt-suns.html#reply17180986 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525050946/http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/03/15/20090315spt-suns.html 2011-05-25 live 2009-03-22 The win also included two 40+ point quarters, 42 in the first and 46 in the third. On March 21, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal moved from sixth all-time leading scorer to fifth, surpassing Moses Malone.http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290321021 https://web.archive.org/web/20090325090914/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290321021 dead March 25, 2009 Shaq surpasses Moses Malone on all-time scoring list as Suns burn Wiz March 31, 2011 ESPN April On April 2, 2009, the NBA teamed up with NRDC for the first-ever NBA Green Week 2009 in an effort to generate awareness and funds for protecting the environment. The week featured special on-court apparel, auctions to support environmental protection organizations, hands-on community service projects and the launch of a PSA featuring Hollywood icon and NRDC Trustee Robert Redford. The Denver Nuggets, the Charlotte Bobcats, and the Chicago Bulls wore green-colored uniforms and socks made from 45 percent organic cotton during select home games throughout the week to raise additional environmental awareness. NBA partner adidas outfitted all players with 100 percent organic cotton adidas shooting shirts featuring the NBA Green logo, which were worn during every game that week.NBA Green week 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090409101920/http://www.nba.com/green/greenweek2009.html 2009-04-09 On April 10, 2009, Kobe Bryant moved from the 18th all-time leading scorer to 17th, surpassing Charles Barkley. On April 15, 2009, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the season with a home record of 39–2, just one game shy of matching the all-time record.http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290415005/philadelphia-76ers-vs-cleveland-cavaliers https://web.archive.org/web/20121106075706/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290415005/philadelphia-76ers-vs-cleveland-cavaliers dead November 6, 2012 Cavs fall in OT, fail to tie Celts' home-win record as regulars rest March 31, 2011 ESPN On April 15, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal led the league in field goal percentage for an NBA-record tenth time. On April 23, 2009, Dikembe Mutombo retired after 18 seasons in the NBA, at age 42.http://www.aolnews.com/2009/04/22/dikembe-mutumbo-retires-after-injury-for-me-basketball-is-over/ Dikembe Mutombo Retires After Injury: 'For Me, Basketball Is Over' April 22, 2009 March 31, 2011 AOL News dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120309213528/http://www.aolnews.com/2009/04/22/dikembe-mutumbo-retires-after-injury-for-me-basketball-is-over/ March 9, 2012 On April 27, 2009, the Denver Nuggets matched the largest margin of victory in an NBA playoff game by beating the New Orleans Hornets 121–63, in Game 4 of the 2009 NBA playoffs. The record is shared with the Minneapolis Lakers 133–75 victory over the St. Louis Hawks in 1956.http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290427003/denver-nuggets-vs-new-orleans-hornets https://web.archive.org/web/20100425003918/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290427003/denver-nuggets-vs-new-orleans-hornets dead April 25, 2010 Nuggets match most lopsided win in NBA playoff history to take 3–1 lead March 31, 2011 ESPN On April 30, 2009, the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics played in a record fourth overtime game in a single playoff series.http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290430004/boston-celtics-vs-chicago-bulls https://web.archive.org/web/20110513102754/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290430004/boston-celtics-vs-chicago-bulls dead May 13, 2011 Bulls push series to seventh game after latest OT thriller March 31, 2011 ESPN May On May 9, 2009, Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Daly died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 78.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2009-05-09-chuck-daly-obit_N.htm Former Pistons, U.S. Olympic coach Chuck Daly dies at 78 May 9, 2009 March 31, 2011 USA Today For the entire NBA Playoffs, all NBA coaches and commentators wore pins with the initials "CD" on their suits to honor the Hall of Fame coach.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-05-09-2048720093_x.htm Daly was 'deeply moved' by "CD' pins May 5, 2009 March 31, 2011 USA Today On May 21, 2009, Sam Cassell retired after 15 seasons in the NBA, at age 39.http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/21/wizards.assistants.ap/index.html Cassell retires, joins Wizards coaching staff May 21, 2009 March 31, 2011 NBA.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121106024140/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/21/wizards.assistants.ap/index.html November 6, 2012 On May 22, 2009, World Wrestling Entertainment and the Denver Nuggets were involved in a double-booking controversy, where WWE's WWE Raw was supposed to be held at the Pepsi Center on May 25. But Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals was also booked in the same venue on the same date. As a result, WWE decided to move the show, ironically, to the Staples Center, the home of the Nuggets' conference finals opponents, the Los Angeles Lakers.https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4176082 WWE losing Pepsi Center on May 25 May 19, 2009 March 31, 2011 ESPNhttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-may-21-sp-wwe-lakers21-story.html WWE event booted from Denver will be at Staples Center May 21, 2009 March 21, 2011 Los Angeles Times June On June 14, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers captured their 15th NBA title in franchise history with a 99–86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals. This also marked the tenth NBA Title for head coach Phil Jackson. In winning his tenth title, he passed Red Auerbach to obtain the crown of most titles for an NBA head coach. Records broken List of NBA regular season records On December 17, 2008, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets broke the 22-year-old record for consecutive games with a steal (105), previously held by Alvin Robertson, in a game against Robertson's former team, the San Antonio Spurs. The streak reached 108 games before ending on the December 25 against the Orlando Magic. On December 23, 2008, the Boston Celtics recorded the best two-loss start in NBA history (27–2), in a 110–91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. They also broke a franchise record for the longest winning streak (18) with their 19th consecutive win. Their winning streak came to an end after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. On January 13, 2009, the Orlando Magic made an NBA record 23 three-pointers against the Sacramento Kings. Nine of the twelve Magic players who played in the game made at least one three-pointer. On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant set a record for most points scored in a game at the modern Madison Square Garden (61), besting the 60 points set by Bernard King. That was until Carmelo Anthony broke the record (62) in January 2014 against the Charlotte Bobcats. On March 15, 2009, the Phoenix Suns scored 56 fast-break points against the Golden State Warriors, the most recorded in a single game since the league began tracking the stat in 1997. On April 15, 2009, the Raptors' José Calderón topped the 1980–81 Rockets' Calvin Murphy for the NBA record for free-throw percentage. Calderón made 98.1% of his free throws in the season, missing only 3 of the 154 he took, taking the record from Murphy's mark of 95.8%. On April 15, 2009, Rudy Fernández of the Portland Trail Blazers set the rookie record for three-point field goals made in a season with 159. 2008–09 NBA changes Charlotte Bobcats – changed their uniforms added pinstripes with side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Denver Nuggets – slightly changed their primary logo added dark blue to their color scheme. Indiana Pacers – added new gold road alternate uniforms. Milwaukee Bucks – added new red road alternate uniforms. Minnesota Timberwolves – added new logo and new uniforms, remained with dark blue, green, black and grey to their color scheme, added side panels to their jerseys and shorts. New Orleans Hornets – added new logo and new uniforms, added blue to their color scheme, added pinstripes with side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Oklahoma City Thunder – relocation from Seattle, Washington to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, added new logo and new uniforms, added orange sunset, thunder blue, yellow, dark navy blue and black to their color scheme, added side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Orlando Magic – changed their uniforms and their wordmark to their jerseys, added pinstripes with black side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Sacramento Kings – changed their uniforms, the purple road jersey changed from "Sacramento" wordmark script to the "Kings" wordmark script with black side panels to their jerseys and shorts, and the white home jersey changed from the "Kings" wordmark script to "Sacramento" wordmark script with changed colors from purple to black side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Toronto Raptors – slightly changed their primary logo removing the purple area to their color scheme, added new black road alternate uniforms with red and grey side panels to their jerseys and shorts. Standings By division Eastern Conference Western Conference By conference yes yes x- clinched playoff berth y- clinched division title c- clinched home court advantage for the conference playoffs z- clinched home court advantage for the entire playoffs Tiebreakers NBA playoffs#Format Eastern Conference Philadelphia finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record (the 76ers' 25–27 to the Bulls' 24–28). Western Conference Denver finished ahead of San Antonio based on head-to-head record (2–1) and Portland based on divisional record (the Nuggets' 12–4 to the Trail Blazers' 11–5), while San Antonio finished ahead of Portland upon winning the Southwest Division. Playoffs 2009 NBA playoffs Teams in bold advanced to the next round. The numbers to the left of each team indicate the team's seeding in its conference, and the numbers to the right indicate the number of games the team won in that round. The division champions are marked by an asterisk. Home court advantage does not necessarily belong to the higher-seeded team, but instead the team with the better regular season record; teams enjoying the home advantage are shown in italics. 2009 NBA playoffs Bracket yes no Statistics leaders Category Player Team Stat Bold- NBA record Points per game Dwyane Wade Miami Heat 30.2 Rebounds per game Dwight Howard Orlando Magic 13.8 Assists per game Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets 11.0 Steals per game Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets 2.77 Blocks per game Dwight Howard Orlando Magic 2.92 Field goal percentage Shaquille O'Neal Phoenix Suns .609 Three-point field goal percentage Anthony Morrow Golden State Warriors .467 Free throw percentage José Calderón Toronto Raptors .981 Awards Yearly awards Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliershttp://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/05/04/james.20090504/index.html King James earns his place as Kia Most Valuable Player 2009-05-04 Peterson Rob May 4, 2009 Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com https://web.archive.org/web/20090507053827/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/rob_peterson/05/04/james.20090504/index.html 7 May 2009 dead dmy-all James outdistances Bryant in winning Kia MVP award http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com May 4, 2009 May 12, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090507190209/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/04/mvp.release.20090504/index.html 7 May 2009 dead Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando MagicMagic's Dwight Howard earns Defensive Player of Year http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/21/dpoy.20090421/index.html Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 21, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090424052818/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/21/dpoy.20090421/index.html 24 April 2009 dead Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose, Chicago BullsBulls' Rose takes home Rookie of Year Award http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/22/rose.roy.release/index.html Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 22, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090425041956/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/22/rose.roy.release/index.html 25 April 2009 dead Sixth Man of the Year: Jason Terry, Dallas MavericksMavericks' Terry wins Kia Sixth Man of the Year award Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 24, 2009 April 24, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/24/terry.20090424/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090427072410/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/24/terry.20090424/index.html 27 April 2009 dead Most Improved Player: Danny Granger, Indiana PacersPacers' Granger wins Kia Most Improved Player Award http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/most.improved/index.html Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com May 12, 2009 May 12, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090515083047/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/most.improved/index.html 15 May 2009 dead Coach of the Year: Mike Brown, Cleveland CavaliersCavs' Brown named Coach of the Year http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/20/brown.coach.of.year/index.html Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 20, 2009 April 23, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423045546/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/20/brown.coach.of.year/index.html 23 April 2009 dead dmy-all Executive of the Year: Mark Warkentien, Denver NuggetsDenver's Mark Warkentien named NBA Executive of the Year Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com May 3, 2009 May 3, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/03/executive/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090505034003/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/03/executive/index.html 5 May 2009 dead Sportsmanship Award: Chauncey Billups, Denver NuggetsNuggets' Billups named Sportsmanship Award winner Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 28, 2009 April 28, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/28/sportsman.award.billups.nba/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090430100453/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/28/sportsman.award.billups.nba/index.html 30 April 2009 dead J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award: Dikembe Mutombo, Houston RocketsMutombo wins J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 23, 2009 April 23, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/23/citizenship.award.nba/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090426052721/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/23/citizenship.award.nba/index.html 26 April 2009 dead All-NBA First Team:James a unanimous pick for All-NBA First Team Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com May 13, 2009 May 13, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/allnba.team.release/ https://web.archive.org/web/20090516110654/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/12/allnba.team.release/ 16 May 2009 dead F LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers F Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks C Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic G Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers G Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat NBA All-Defensive First Team:Howard, Bryant headline 2008–09 NBA All-Defensive First Team Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com May 6, 2009 May 6, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/06/defensive.team/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090508060828/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/06/defensive.team/index.html 8 May 2009 dead Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers Chris Paul – New Orleans Hornets Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics NBA All-Rookie First Team:Rose, Mayo unanimous picks for All-Rookie team Turner Sports Interactive, Inc NBA.com April 30, 2009 http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/30/rookie.team.release/index.html April 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090502160939/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/30/rookie.team.release/index.html 2 May 2009 dead Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls O. J. Mayo – Memphis Grizzlies Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder Brook Lopez – New Jersey Nets Michael Beasley – Miami Heat All-NBA Second Team: F Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs F Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics C Yao Ming – Houston Rockets G Chris Paul – New Orleans Hornets G Brandon Roy – Portland Trail Blazers NBA All-Defensive Second Team: Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs Dwyane Wade – Miami Heat Rajon Rondo – Boston Celtics Shane Battier – Houston Rockets Ron Artest – Houston Rockets NBA All-Rookie Second Team: Eric Gordon – Los Angeles Clippers Kevin Love – Minnesota Timberwolves Mario Chalmers – Miami Heat Marc Gasol – Memphis Grizzlies D. J. Augustin – Charlotte Bobcats (tie) Rudy Fernández – Portland Trail Blazers (tie) All-NBA Third Team: F Carmelo Anthony – Denver Nuggets F Pau Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers C Shaquille O'Neal – Phoenix Suns G Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs G Chauncey Billups – Denver Nuggets Players of the week The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week. WeekEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceRef.01Oct. 28 – Nov. 2Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors) (1/1)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (1/4)02Nov. 3 – Nov. 9LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/7)Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns) (1/1)03Nov. 10 – Nov. 16LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (2/7)Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) (1/1)04Nov. 17 – Nov. 23Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) (1/3)Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) (1/2)05Nov. 24 – Nov. 30Devin Harris (New Jersey Nets) (1/2)Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers) (1/2)06Dec. 1 – Dec. 7Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) (2/3)Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) (2/2)07Dec. 8 – Dec. 14Al Harrington (New York Knicks) (1/1)Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) (1/1)08Dec. 15 – Dec. 21Jameer Nelson (Orlando Magic) (1/2)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (2/4)09Dec. 22 – Dec. 28LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (3/7)Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/3)10Dec. 29 – Jan. 4Rodney Stuckey (Detroit Pistons) (1/1)Al Jefferson (Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/1)11Jan. 5 – Jan. 11Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) (1/4)Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (2/3)12Jan. 12 – Jan. 18Jameer Nelson (Orlando Magic) (2/2)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (3/4)13Jan. 19 – Jan. 25LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (4/7)Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1)14Jan. 26 – Feb. 1David Lee David Lee (basketball) (New York Knicks) (1/1)Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) (1/2)15Feb. 2 – Feb. 8LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (5/7)Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/2)16Feb. 18 – Feb. 23Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) (2/4)Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) (2/2)17Feb. 24 – Mar. 1Devin Harris (New Jersey Nets) (2/2)David West David West (basketball) (New Orleans Hornets) (1/1)18Mar. 2 – Mar. 8Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) (3/3)Deron Williams (Utah Jazz) (1/1)19Mar. 9 – Mar. 15LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (6/7)Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (3/3)20Mar. 16 – Mar. 22LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (7/7)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (4/4)21Mar. 23 – Mar. 29Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) (3/4)Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) (2/2)22Mar. 30 – Apr. 5Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) (4/4)Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks) (1/1)23Apr. 6 – Apr. 12Ben Gordon basketball (Chicago Bulls) (1/1)Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers) (2/2) Players of the month The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month. MonthEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceRef.01October – NovemberLeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/4)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (1/2)02DecemberDwyane Wade (Miami Heat) (1/2)Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/2)03JanuaryLeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (2/4)Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) (2/2)04FebruaryDwyane Wade (Miami Heat) (2/2)Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1)05MarchLeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (3/4)Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) (2/2)06AprilLeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) (4/4)Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) (1/1) Rookies of the month The following players were named the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month. MonthEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceRef.01October – NovemberDerrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) (1/3)O. J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies) (1/2)http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/02/010209rom.release/ Rose, Mayo earn NBA rookie honors NBA Press Release NBA 2008-12-01 2009-11-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20121109122627/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/02/010209rom.release/ 2012-11-09 dead 02DecemberDerrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) (2/3)Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) (1/2)http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/02/010209rom.release/index.html Bulls' Rose, Thunder's Westbrook named Rookies of the Month NBA Press Release NBA 2009-01-02 2009-11-02 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090115124954/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/01/02/010209rom.release/index.html 2009-01-15 03JanuaryBrook Lopez (New Jersey Nets) (1/2)Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers) (1/1)http://www.nba.com/nets/news/Brook_Lopez_Named_TMobile.html Brook Lopez Named T-Mobile Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month NBA 2009-02-02 2009-11-0204FebruaryBrook Lopez (New Jersey Nets) (2/2)Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) (2/2)http://www.nba.com/2009/news/03/02/rookies.month/ Nets' Lopez, Thunder's Westbrook named Rookies of the Month NBA 2009-03-02 2009-11-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20090306231835/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/03/02/rookies.month/ 2009-03-06 dead05MarchDerrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) (3/3)Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/1)http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/03/rookies.month/index.html?rss=trueg Bulls' Rose, Wolves' Love named Rookies of the Month NBA 2009-04-02 2009-11-10 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121109123020/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/03/rookies.month/index.html?rss=trueg 2012-11-0906AprilMichael Beasley (Miami Heat) (1/1)O. J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies) (2/2)http://www.nba.com/heat/multimedia/2009playoffs_beasley_rookieofthemonth_090417.html Michael Beasley Named T-Mobile NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month NBA 2009-05-17 2009-11-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20090422051849/http://www.nba.com/heat/multimedia/2009playoffs_beasley_rookieofthemonth_090417.html 2009-04-22 deadhttp://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/mayo_named_rookie_of_the_month-090417.html O.J. Mayo named April's T-Mobile Western Conference Rookie of The Month NBA 2009-05-17 2009-11-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20091202060608/http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/mayo_named_rookie_of_the_month-090417.html 2 December 2009 dead Coaches of the month The following coaches were named the Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month. MonthEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceRef.01October – NovemberDoc Rivers (Boston Celtics) (1/2)Phil Jackson (Los Angeles Lakers) (1/1)02DecemberMike Brown basketball, born 1970 (Cleveland Cavaliers) (1/3)Byron Scott basketball (New Orleans Hornets) (1/1)03JanuaryStan Van Gundy (Orlando Magic) (1/1)Kevin McHale Kevin McHale (basketball) (Minnesota Timberwolves) (1/1)04FebruaryMike Brown basketball, born 1970 (Cleveland Cavaliers) (2/3)Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz) (1/1)05MarchMike Brown basketball, born 1970 (Cleveland Cavaliers) (3/3)Rick Adelman (Houston Rockets) (1/1)06AprilDoc Rivers (Boston Celtics) (2/2)Nate McMillan (Portland Trail Blazers) (1/1) Salary cap The NBA announced that the salary cap for the season would be $58.680 million, immediately going into effect on July 9 as the league's "moratorium period" had ended and teams could begin signing free agents and making trades.NBA Salary Cap for 2008–09 Season https://web.archive.org/web/20080712162317/http://www.nba.com/news/salarycapset_080709.html 2008-07-12 , NBA.com, July 9, 2008. The tax level for the season was set at $71.150 million, with each team paying a $1 tax for each $1 by which it exceeds $71.150 million. The mid-level exception was $5.585 million for the season and the minimum team salary, which was set at 75% of the salary cap, was $44.010 million. For the 2007–08 season, the salary cap was set at $55.630 million ($3.05 million), the tax level was $67.865 million ($3.285 million) and the mid-level exception was $5.356 million ($229,000). See also List of NBA regular season records References External links NBA NBA season