NEW YORK – The New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in April.

Anthony led the Knicks to a 9-4 month and helped them secure their second consecutive playoff berth. He led the league in scoring, averaging 29.8 points, connecting on 135-of-273 shots from the floor. Over the month, he compiled seven 30-point and two 40-point performances, to go along with his second career triple-double in an April 17 victory over the Celtics. On April 8, Anthony scored 43 points and connected on both game-tying and game-winning three-pointers to knock off the Bulls 100-99 in overtime.

Paul helped the Clippers to a 9-5 record and steered them to their first playoff berth since 2005-06. He averaged 20.7 points, ranking fourth in West while pacing the league with 3.0 spg and leading the conference with 9.9 apg. He engineered six double-doubles, seven 20-point games and three 30-point games. On April 22, Paul scored 33 points, handed out 13 assists and had a season-high eight steals in a 107-98 win over New Orleans.

Here is a closer look at the month for Anthony and Paul:

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

April 8 vs. Chicago: Poured in 43 points including a game-winning three pointer in overtime, to defeat the Bulls 100-99

April 17 vs. Boston: Registered a triple-double with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 118-110 win over the Celtics

April 22 @ Atlanta: Collected 39 points, 10 rebounds and two steals in a 113-112 victory over the Hawks

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

April 11 @ Oklahoma City: Registered 31 points in a 100-98 victory over the Thunder.

April 14 vs. Golden State: Recorded 28 points and 13 assists in a 112-104 win over the Warriors.

April 22 vs. New Orleans: Recorded 33 points to go along with 13 assists a season high eight steals in a 107-98 win over the Hornets.

Other nominees for Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Atlanta’s Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, Boston’s Avery Bradley, Indiana’s David West, Miami’s LeBron James, Memphis’ Rudy Gay, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, San Antonio’s Tony Parker and Utah’s Al Jefferson.

The Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month are part of a series of on-court performance awards called “The Kia NBA Performance Awards.” The series, currently in its fifth season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and includes four of the league’s most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man Award, and Most Improved Player.  Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and the Kia Optima is the league’s Official Vehicle.  For more information on the “The Kia NBA Performance Awards” visit www.NBA.com/awards.