Bulls’ Derrick Rose, Lakers’ Kobe Bryant named NBA Players of the Week
NEW YORK – The Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 15.
Rose averaged 24.0 points and 9.3 assists while logging 38.8 minutes per contest as he helped the Bulls to a 5-0 week. Rose, who appeared in four of the Bulls’ five games, posted two point-assist double-doubles, including a 31-point, 11-assist effort in Chicago’s 111-100 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 10. The Bulls’ five-game winning streak has them at 12-2 (.857) and atop the NBA standings.
Bryant guided the Lakers to a 3-1 week, and led the league in scoring with a 43.0 average. Bryant tallied 40-plus points in each of the Lakers’ four games. The Lakers opened the week with a 99-83 win over the Phoenix Suns on Jan. 10, fueled by Bryant’s 48 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bryant’s 32.0-point scoring average is tops in the league.
Here is a recap of the week for Rose and Bryant:
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Jan. 9 vs. Detroit: Recorded 22 points and eight assists in a 92-68 win over the Pistons.
Jan. 10 vs. Minnesota: Tallied 31 points and 11 assists during a 111-100 victory over the Timberwolves.
Jan. 14 @ Toronto: Closed the week with 18 points, 11 assists and three steals during a 77-64 win over the Raptors.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Jan. 10 vs. Phoenix: Racked up 48 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 99-83 victory over the Suns.
Jan. 11 @ Utah: Tallied 40 points and added eight rebounds during a 90-87 win over the Jazz.
Jan. 13 vs. Cleveland: Posted 42 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals as the Lakers bested the Cavaliers 97-92.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Josh Smith, Detroit’s Greg Monroe, Houston’s Kyle Lowry, Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Orlando’s Dwight Howard and Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala.