Magic’s Dwight Howard, Rockets’ Kevin Martin named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets’ Kevin Martin today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Feb. 21, through Sunday, Feb. 27.

Howard led the Magic to a 2-1 week, averaging a league-high 30.3 points on .673 shooting (33-of-49).  His 14.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks were tops in the Eastern Conference. On Feb 25, Howard scored 40 points, hauled in 15 rebounds and blocked six shots in Orlando’s win over Oklahoma City. He’s recorded 10 straight games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, which is the longest streak of his career. Howard has 200 career 20/10 games and 37 this season. This marks the fifth time this season Howard has won Player of the Week honors.

Martin led the Western Conference in scoring, averaging 27.3 points on .517 shooting from the field (31-of-60). He shot .476 (10-of-21) from behind the arc and averaged 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals leading the Rockets to a 4-0 record. He’s recorded three consecutive 30-point games, which is the most in a single-season for the Rockets since Tracy McGrady in 2006-07. On Feb. 27, he scored 33 points and went 13-of-13 from the line to help the Rockets defeat the Hornets.

Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Martin:

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Feb. 23 vs. Sacramento: Posted 31 points and 17 rebounds in a 111-105 loss to the Kings.

Feb. 25 vs. Oklahoma City: Poured in 40 points to go along with 15 rebounds, six blocks and two steals in a 111-88 win over the Thunder.

Feb. 27 vs. Charlotte:  Tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals in a 100-86 victory over the Bobcats.

Kevin Martin, Houston Rockets

Feb. 23 @ Cleveland: Posted 30 points and five rebounds in a 124-119 victory over the Cavaliers.

Feb. 26 vs. New Jersey: Tallied 30 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 123-108 win over the Nets.

Feb. 27. @ New Orleans: Scored 33 points to go along with five rebounds, four steals and two assists in a 91-89 win over the Hornets.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Miami’s LeBron James, New York’s Carmelo Anthony, Phoenix’s Channing Frye and San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili.