NEW YORK — LeBron James and Russell Westbrook have been named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 29.
James paced the Eastern Conference in scoring (29.0 ppg) in leading the Heat to a 4-0 week. James eclipsed the 30-point plateau three times and averaged 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals. Miami defeated Chicago 97-93 on Sunday despite two poor possessions and two botched free throws by James in the final minute. He finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.
Westbrook led the Thunder to a 3-0 week, including wins over Detroit and New Orleans. Westbrook averaged 22.0 points, 7.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 steals. Oklahoma City’s 120-109 victory over Golden State on Jan. 27 was keyed by Westbrook’s 28 points, 11 assists, seven steals and six rebounds.
Here is a recap of the week for James and Westbrook:
James:
- Jan. 25 at Detroit: 32 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in a 101-98 win over the Pistons.
- Jan. 27 vs. New York: 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 99-89 win over the Knicks.
- Jan. 29 vs. Chicago: 35 points, 11 rebounds and five assists during a 97-93 victory over the Bulls.
Westbrook:
- Jan. 23 vs. Detroit: 24 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 99-79 win over the Pistons.
- Jan. 25 vs. New Orleans: 14 points, five assists, three blocks and three steals during a 101-91 win over the Hornets.
- Jan. 27 at Golden State: 28 points and 11 assists, seven steals and six rebounds as the Thunder beat the Warriors 120-109.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague, Boston’s Paul Pierce, Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol, Miami’s Chris Bosh, Minnesota’s Kevin Love, New Jersey’s Deron Williams, Philadelphia’s Lou Williams and Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge.