Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony, Rockets’ James Harden named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, March 3, through Sunday, March 9.

Anthony led the Knicks to a 3-1 week behind averages of 29.0 points (third in the conference), 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.75 steals (fifth in the conference). Anthony also averaged the fourth-most minutes in the East, at 38.7 mpg. He connected on three-or-more three-point field goals in all four contests, and tallied three steals in three-of-four games. Anthony tallied 33 points and added five rebounds, five assists and three steals during the Knicks’ 118-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 5.

Harden led the Rockets to a 4-0 week, which included wins over the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers. He averaged 30.3 points (second in the league), 6.8 assists (seventh in the conference) and 2.50 steals (tied for third in the conference). Harden, who collects his second consecutive Western Conference Player of the Week honor, capped his week with a 41-point, 10-rebound effort in which he also added six assists and six steals, as Houston topped Portland 118-113 in overtime on March 9.

Here is a recap of the week for Anthony and Harden:

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

March 5 @ Minnesota: Tallied 33 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 118-106 win over the Timberwolves.

March 7 vs. Utah: Recorded 29 points, eight assists and four rebounds during a 108-81 win over the Jazz.

March 8 @ Cleveland: Scored 26 points and added seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in a 107-97 win over the Cavaliers.

James Harden, Houston Rockets

March 4 vs. Miami: Totaled 21 points, 11 assists and four rebounds during a 106-103 win over the Heat.

March 7 vs. Indiana: Scored 28 points and added four rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 112-86 win over the Pacers.

March 9 vs. Portland: Notched 41 points and added 10 rebounds, six assists and six steals as the Rockets capped a perfect week with a 118-113 overtime win over the Trail Blazers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson, Charlotte’s Al Jefferson, Denver’s Ty Lawson, Golden State’s David Lee, Los Angeles Clippers’ Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Lakers’ Jodie Meeks, Miami’s LeBron James, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Phoenix’s Gerald Green, Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and Washington’s Trevor Ariza.