DENVER (AP) - George Karl is the NBA's Coach of the Year after leading the Denver Nuggets to a team-record 57 wins this season.

Karl got 62 first-place votes from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters.

Golden State eliminated the Nuggets 92-88 in Game 6 last Thursday night.

It's the first time Karl has won the award in 25 seasons. He joins Doug Moe as the only Denver coaches to earn the honor.

Karl says he's "honored and energized" to receive the award.

The Nuggets rallied down the stretch, winning 15 straight at one point and going 24-4 after the All-Star break. They also won a franchise-best 38 games at the Pepsi Center.

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