Hornets' Paul, Magic's Nelson named Players of the Week

The Orlando Magic's Jameer Nelson and the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 15, through Sunday, Dec. 21.

Nelson helped the Magic to a 3-0 week, including wins over the Spurs and Lakers. The fifth-year guard led or tied for the team lead in scoring in each game, including a career-high-tying 32-point effort in Orlando's 109-98 win at Golden State. Shooting a blistering .593 from the field and .556 from three-point range, Nelson, who also added 5.3 apg and 4.0 rpg, has keyed Orlando's recent success -- the Magic has won eight of nine.

Paul led the Hornets to a 3-0 week, averaging 23.7 points, 10.0 assists, 5.3 steals and 4.3 rebounds. The fourth-year guard set an NBA record for consecutive games with a steal (107 and counting), surpassing the 105-game mark set by Alvin Robertson. Paul recorded eight swipes in a 99-90 win over the Kings on Dec. 20.

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

Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
Dec. 15 @ Golden State: Tied a career high with 32 points and added four rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 109-98 win over the Warriors.
Dec. 18 vs. San Antonio: Tallied 24 points and seven assists in a 90-78 win over the Spurs.
Dec. 20 vs. L.A. Lakers: Recorded 27 points, five assists and four rebounds in a 106-103 win over the Lakers.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Dec. 16 @ Memphis: Recorded 18 points, nine assists, three rebounds and five steals in a 91-84 win over the Grizzlies.
Dec. 17 vs. San Antonio: Tallied 19 points, 12 assists and three steals in the Hornets' 90-83 win over the Spurs.
Dec. 20 vs. Sacramento: Scored 34 points and added nine assists, four rebounds and eight steals in a 99-90 win over the Kings.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Boston's Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo, Charlotte's Boris Diaw, Cleveland's LeBron James and Delonte West, Golden State's Jamal Crawford, Houston's Tracy McGrady, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire and Portland's Brandon Roy.