Heat’s LeBron James, Thunder’s Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Miami Heat’s LeBron James and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant were today named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 12, through Sunday, Nov. 18.

In guiding the Heat to a 3-1 week, James averaged a league-best 29.0, while adding 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.25 blocks. James’ week included a personal season-high 38 points Nov. 12 at Houston in which he scored 32 in the second half while leading the Heat to a come-from-behind 113-110 victory. The 32 second-half points tied the franchise record for points in any half.

Durant helped the Thunder to a 3-1 week by averaging a point/rebound double-double, which included a Western Conference-best 28.0 ppg and a team-high 10.3 rpg. Durant added 5.8 apg, 1.75 spg and 1.75 bpg. He capped off his week by posting his first career triple-double – 25 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists – in the Thunder’s 119-109 win over the Golden State Warriors Sunday.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Durant:

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Nov. 12 @ Houston: Recorded a season-high 38 points, to go along with 10 boards and six assists in a 113-110 win over the Rockets.

Nov. 14 @ LA Clippers: Posted 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds in a 100-107 defeat to the Clippers.

Nov. 15 @ Denver: Scored 27 points while adding 12 assists, seven rebounds and three blocks in a 98-93 win at the Nuggets.

Nov. 17 @ Phoenix: Contributed 21 points and seven rebounds in a 97-88 win against the Suns.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Nov. 12 @ Detroit: Scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 92-90 win at the Pistons.

Nov. 14 vs. Memphis: Posted a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double in a 107-97 loss to the Grizzlies.

Nov. 16 @ New Orleans: Tallied 27 points, on 9-for-12 shooting, and nine rebounds in a 110-95 victory over the Hornets.

Nov. 18 vs. Golden State: Recorded his first career triple-double with 25 points, 13 boards and 10 assists in a 119-109 triumph over the Warriors.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Kyle Korver, Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Detroit’s Greg Monroe, Memphis’ Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph, Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings, New York’s Raymond Felton, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Portland’s Nicolas Batum, and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Jose Calderon.