Pistons’ Andre Drummond, Rockets’ James Harden named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK – The Detroit Pistons’ Andre Drummond and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden were today named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 8.

Drummond helped the Pistons to a 2-1 week behind averages of 22.0 points (fourth in the East) and a league-leading 24.3 rebounds.  He collected a point-rebound double-double in all three contests, and had two games where he posted 25-plus points alongside 25-plus rebounds.  Drummond, who shot 68.9 percent from the field for the week, becomes the first player to open a season with consecutive Player of the Week awards since LeBron James in the 2011-12 campaign as a member of the Miami Heat.

Harden led the Rockets to a 4-0 week behind a league-best 38.5 points.  He also chipped in with 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals.  Harden scored 37 points to open the week during a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 2, and closed the week with back-to-back 40-point performances in wins over the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 6 and the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 7.

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

Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Nov. 3 vs. Indiana: Tallied 25 points and pulled down a career-high 29 rebounds during a 94-82 loss to the Pacers.

Nov. 6 @ Phoenix: Scored 12 points and added 17 rebounds and two steals during a 100-92 win over the Suns.     

Nov. 8 @ Portland: Recorded his third double-double of the week with 29 points and 27 rebounds, and added three blocks and two steals in a 120-103 win over the Trail Blazers.

James Harden, Houston Rockets

Nov. 2 vs. Oklahoma City: Scored 37 points and added five rebounds, three assists and three steals during a 110-105 win over the Thunder.

Nov. 4 vs. Orlando: Posted 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 119-114 overtime win over the Magic.

Nov. 6 @ Sacramento: Tallied 43 points, 13 assists and six rebounds during a 116-110 win over the Kings.

Nov. 7 @ L.A. Clippers: Poured in 46 points and added four rebounds during a 109-105 win over the Clippers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Paul Millsap, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Detroit’s Reggie Jackson, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Indiana’s Paul George, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Orlando’s Evan Fournier, Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor and Portland’s Damian Lillard.