Heat's James, Thunder's Westbrook named Players of the Week

NEW YORK -- The Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 29.

James paced the Eastern Conference in scoring (29.0 ppg) in leading the Heat to a 4-0 week. James eclipsed the 30-point plateau three times and averaged 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals. Miami upended Chicago 97-93 on Jan. 29 to close the week behind James' 35 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.

Westbrook led the Thunder to a 3-0 week, including wins over Detroit and New Orleans. Westbrook averaged 22.0 points, 7.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 steals. Oklahoma City's 120-109 victory over Golden State on Jan. 27 was keyed by Westbrook's 28 points, 11 assists, seven steals and six rebounds.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Westbrook

Jan. 25 @ Detroit: Collected 32 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals in a 101-98 win over the Pistons.

Jan. 27 vs. New York: Tallied 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 99-89 win over the Knicks.

Jan. 29 vs. Chicago: Closed the week with 35 points, 11 rebounds and five assists during a 97-93 victory over the Bulls.

Jan. 23 vs. Detroit: Posted 24 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 99-79 win over the Pistons.

Jan. 25 vs. New Orleans: Tallied 14 points, five assists, three blocks and three steals during a 101-91 win over the Hornets.

Jan. 27 @ Golden State: Scored 28 points and added 11 assists, seven steals and six rebounds as the Thunder bested the Warriors 120-109.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague, Boston's Paul Pierce, Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, Miami's Chris Bosh, Minnesota's Kevin Love, New Jersey's Deron Williams, Philadelphia's Lou Williams and Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge.