Pistons’ Reggie Jackson, Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Detroit Pistons’ Reggie Jackson and the San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard were today named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 20.

Jackson led the Pistons to a 2-1 week, averaging 29.3 points (first in the conference), 6.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists (second in the conference).  He scored 30 or more points in two of the three games and had 23 points in the third.  On Dec. 18, Jackson scored 13 of Detroit’s 20 points in the fourth and final overtime period to lead the Pistons to a 147-144 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Leonard led San Antonio to a 3-0 record behind averages of 22.7 points (eighth in the conference), 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals.  He shot 56.4 percent from the field and scored 22 or more points in two games.  On Dec. 16, Leonard made four three-pointers on his way to 27 points and added four assists, four steals and three rebounds in a 114-95 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Here is a recap of the week for Jackson and Leonard:

Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons  

Dec. 14 vs. L.A. Clippers: Finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a 105-103 loss to the Clippers.

Dec. 16 vs. Boston: Posted 23 points and three assists in a 119-116 win over the Celtics.   

Dec. 18 @ Chicago: Notched his second double-double of the week with 31 points and 13 assists in a 147-144 quadruple overtime victory against the Bulls.

Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Dec. 14 vs. Utah: Recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and two steals in a 118-81 victory over the Jazz.

Dec. 16 vs. Washington: Tallied 27 points, four steals and four assists in a 114-95 win over the Wizards.

Dec. 18 vs. L.A. Clippers: Scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 115-107 win over the Clippers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Paul Millsap, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Detroit’s Andre Drummond, Golden State’s Klay Thompson, Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins, New York’s Carmelo Anthony, Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan.