Magic's Howard, Grizzlies' Gasol named Players of the Week

NEW YORK -- The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and the Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 22.

Howard averaged 19.5 points, 18.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 blocks as Orlando went 3-1. Howard posted three point-rebound double-doubles, including back-to-back 20-point, 20-rebound games to close the week vs. the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. For the season, Howard ranks first in the NBA in rebounding (16.1 rpg), third in field goal percentage (.575) and fifth in blocks (2.33 bpg).

Gasol led the Grizzlies to a perfect 4-0 week, averaging 19.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 blocks. Gasol posted three point-rebound double-doubles on the week, including a 20-point, 11-rebound effort, complemented by six blocks and five assists during a 128-95 win over the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 21. Gasol is enjoying a career-best season in points (15.2 ppg), rebounds (10.6 rpg), assists (3.1 apg), blocks (2.6 bpg) and steals (1.1 spg).

Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Gasol:

Jan. 17 vs. Charlotte: Collected 25 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and four blocks in a 96-89 win over the Bobcats.

Jan. 18 vs. San Antonio: Tallied 24 points and a season-high 25 rebounds, as well as three blocks as the Magic fell to the Spurs 85-83 in overtime.

Jan. 20 vs. L.A. Lakers: Closed the week with 21 points and 23 rebounds in a 92-80 win over the Lakers.

Jan. 16 vs. Chicago: Posted 19 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a 102-86 win over the Bulls.

Jan. 18 @ New Orleans: Tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a 93-87 victory over the Hornets.

Jan. 21 vs. Sacramento: Scored 20 points and added 11 rebounds, six blocks and five assists as the Grizzlies upended the Kings 128-95.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, Denver's Danilo Gallinari and Al Harrington, Memphis' Mike Conley, Miami's Chris Bosh and LeBron James, Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge and Phoenix's Steve Nash.