Heat’s LeBron James, Thunder’s Kevin Durant named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Miami Heat’s LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Jan. 31-Feb. 6.

James led Miami to a 4-0 week, including two wins on the road, averaging 26.5 points, 7.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals.  In a 104-100 win at Orlando on Feb. 3, James set a franchise record for most points in a road contest with an NBA season-high 51 points to go along with a team-high 11 rebounds and a game-high eight assists. In that contest, James also set a team mark with 23 points in the first quarter and opened the game by hitting a career-high 11 straight field goal attempts. This is James’ fourth Player of the Week award this season.

Durant paced the league in scoring, averaging 29.3 points and was ninth in rebounds (11.0 rpg), helping Oklahoma City to a 3-0 week. On Feb. 2, Durant scored 43 points in a 104-93 victory over New Orleans.  It marked the fifth time he’s scored 40-plus points in a game this season, which leads the NBA. He recorded three double-doubles on the week and has four straight overall.

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

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Jan. 31 vs. Cleveland: Tallied 24 points, eight assists and four rebounds in a 117-90 win over the Cavaliers.

Feb. 3 @ Orlando: Poured in 51 points and added 11 rebounds and eight assists in a 104-100 win over the Magic.

Feb. 4 @ Charlotte: Scored 19 points to go along with nine assists and eight rebounds in a 109-97 victory over the Bobcats.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Feb. 2 vs. New Orleans: Posted 43 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 104-93 win over the Hornets.

Feb. 4 @ Phoenix: Scored 24 points to go along with 11 rebounds and three blocks in a 111-107 win over the Suns.

Feb. 5 @ Utah: Totaled 21 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in a 121-105 win over the Jazz.

 

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Joe Johnson, Charlotte’s Stephen Jackson, Dallas’ Tyson Chandler and Dirk Nowitzki, Indiana’s Danny Granger, Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Philadelphia’s Elton Brand, and Utah’s Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.