Cavaliers’ LeBron James, Clippers’ Chris Paul named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul were today named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 4 through Sunday, Jan. 10.

James led the Cavaliers to a 4-0 week behind averages of 26.0 points (tied-first in the Eastern Conference), 7.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists (tied-seventh in the conference).   He posted two point-rebound double-doubles and two games with 30-plus points.  James connected on 15-of-22 field goals en route to 37 points and added nine assists and seven rebounds during a 95-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 10.

Paul helped the Clippers to a 3-0 week behind averages of 23.7 points (10th in the Western Conference), 12.3 assists (second in the conference), 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals.  Paul scored 20-plus points in all three games, recorded a three-steal game and handed out a season-high 19 assists on Jan. 6, during a 109-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.  The undefeated week extended the Clippers’ winning streak to nine games.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Paul:

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Jan. 4 vs. Toronto: Scored 20 points and added seven assists and three steals in a 122-100 win over the Raptors.

Jan 6 @ Washington: Posted 34 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in a 121-115 win over the Wizards.

Jan. 8 @ Minnesota: Scored 13 points and added 12 rebounds and eight assists during a 125-99 win over the Timberwolves.

Jan. 10 @ Philadelphia: Tallied 37 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in a 95-85 win over the 76ers.

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Jan. 6 @ Portland: Scored 21 points and handed out 19 assists during a 109-98 win over the Trail Blazers.

Jan. 9 vs. Charlotte: Posted 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a 97-83 win over the Hornets.

Jan. 10 vs. New Orleans: Scored 25 points, dished out 11 assists and added five rebounds and three steals during a 114-111 overtime win against the Pelicans.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Al Horford, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Denver’s Danilo Gallinari, Detroit’s Reggie Jackson, Golden State’s Klay Thompson, Houston’s James Harden, the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, Memphis’ Zach Randolph, the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, Philadelphia’s Ish Smith, Portland’s Damian Lillard and Toronto’s Kyle Lowry.