Wizards’ John Wall, Rockets’ James Harden named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Washington Wizards’ John Wall and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, March 2.

Wall led the Wizards to a 3-0 week, behind averages of 25.0 points (seventh in the conference), 10.7 assists (tied for first in the league) and 2.0 steals. Wall shot .592 (29-of-49) from the field and .813 (13-of-16) from the foul line. He tallied 17 points and handed out 16 assists on March 1, during a 122-103 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Harden led the Rockets to a 2-1 week behind averages of 27.0 points (tied for third in the conference), 7.7 assists (fifth in the conference) and 2.0 steals. He tallied 22 first-quarter points en route to a game-high 43 on Feb. 25, during a 129-103 win over the Kings. Harden closed the week by posting a 20-point, 12-assist, three-steal effort during a 118-110 win over the Detroit Pistons.

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

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Feb. 25 vs. Orlando: Posted 27 points, seven assists and five rebounds during a 115-106 win over the Magic.

Feb. 27 @ Toronto: Tallied 31 points and added nine assists, three rebounds and three steals in a 134-129 win over the Raptors.

March 1 @ Philadelphia: Scored 17 points and added 16 assists and two steals in a 122-103 win over the Sixers.

James Harden, Houston Rockets

Feb. 25 @ Sacramento: Scored 43 points (including 15-of-16 from the foul line) and added eight assists and three steals in a 129-103 win over the Kings.

Feb. 26 @ L.A. Clippers: Tallied 18 points and added six rebounds and three assists during a 101-93 loss to the Clippers.

March 1 vs. Detroit: Posted 20 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals in a 118-110 win over the Pistons.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Jeff Teague, Indiana’s Lance Stephenson, Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Miami’s LeBron James, Minnesota’s Kevin Love, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, Philadelphia’s Thaddeus Young, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan, and Washington’s Trevor Ariza and Marcin Gortat.