By NBA Official Release
Posted Dec 21 2009 2:52PM
NEW YORK -- The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 14, through Sunday, Dec. 20.
Howard recorded four double-doubles on the week, averaging 17.0 points and league highs of 17.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks, as the Magic went 3-1. On Dec. 14, Howard tallied 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocked shots, as Orlando defeated Indiana 106-98 at Amway Arena. He recorded a season-high eight blocks Dec. 16 in a 118-99 home win over Toronto.
Bryant paced the league in scoring (34.5 ppg) and added 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals (second in the Western Conference), leading the Lakers to a 4-0 week on their Eastern Conference road trip. Bryant started the week with 42 points in a 96-87 win over the Bulls. On Dec. 19, Bryant recorded a double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds in a 103-84 win over New Jersey. Bryant tied his season high with five steals Dec. 19 in a 93-81 win over the Pistons.
Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Bryant:
Dec. 14 vs. Indiana: Posted 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocks in a 106-98 win over the Pacers.
Dec. 16 vs. Toronto: Scored 18 points to go along with 14 rebounds and eight blocks in a 119-99 win over the Raptors.
Dec. 17 @ Miami: Tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a 104-86 loss to the Heat.
Dec. 19 vs. Portland: Recorded 12 points, 20 rebounds, four blocks and two steals in a 92-83 win over the Trail Blazers.
Dec. 15 @ Chicago: Poured in 42 points and added two rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 96-87 win over the Bulls.
Dec. 16 @ Milwaukee: Recorded 39 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 107-106 win over the Bucks.
Dec. 19 @ New Jersey: Tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 103-84 win over the Nets.
Dec. 20 @ Detroit: Posted 28 points, three rebounds, four assists and five steals in a 93-81 win over the Pistons.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Joe Johnson, Cleveland's LeBron James, Memphis' Zach Randolph, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Phoenix's Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire and Portland's Brandon Roy.
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