Hornets’ Kemba Walker, Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Charlotte Hornets’ Kemba Walker and the Sacramento Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins were today named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 24.

Walker helped the Hornets to a 3-1 week behind averages of 34.8 points (first in the Eastern Conference), 6.0 assists (tied-ninth in the conference), 6.0 rebounds and 2.25 steals (tied-fourth in the conference).  On Jan. 18, Walker set a Hornets franchise record with 52 points and added nine rebounds and eight assists during a 124-119 double-overtime win against the Utah Jazz.

Cousins led the Kings to a 3-0 week behind averages of 36.0 points (first in the NBA) and 14.7 rebounds (second in the NBA).  He recorded point-rebound double-doubles in all three games and now has 25 double-doubles on the season (fourth in the NBA).  On Jan. 23, Cousins poured in a career-high 48 points and pulled down 13 rebounds in a 108-97 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Here is a recap of the week for Walker and Cousins:

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

Jan. 18 vs. Utah: Tallied a franchise-record 52 points and added nine rebounds and eight assists in a 124-119 double-overtime win over the Jazz.

Jan. 22 @ Orlando: Posted 40 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals during a 120-116 overtime win against the Magic.

Jan. 23 vs. New York: Collected 26 points, six rebounds and five assists in a 97-84 win over the Knicks.

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Jan. 20 @ L.A. Lakers: Scored 36 points and added 16 rebounds during a 112-93 win over the Lakers.

Jan. 21 vs. Atlanta: Posted 24 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three steals during a 91-88 win over the Hawks.

Jan. 23 vs. Indiana: Netted a career-high 48 points and added 13 rebounds during a 108-97 win over the Pacers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Houston’s James Harden, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Phoenix’s Tyson Chandler, Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Utah’s Gordon Hayward.