NEW YORK, March 28, 2011 – The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, March 21, through Sunday, March 27.
Howard led the Magic to a 3-0 week, ranking first in the NBA in rebounds (14.3 rpg) and field goal percentage (.711). He has led the team in scoring 50 times and in rebounding 65 times this season. Howard extended his franchise record double-double streak to 30 games with his 21-point, 14-rebound performance against New Jersey. He now has 60 double-doubles on the season, which ranks second in the NBA. This is Howard's sixth Player of the Week award this season.
Bryant paced the league in scoring, averaging 36.3 points, in leading the Lakers to a 3-0 week. In the process, Los Angeles extended its winning streak to seven games. On March 22, Bryant scored a season-high 42 points to go along with 12 rebounds and nine assists in a triple overtime victory over the Suns. It was the 107th 40-point game of his career.
Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Bryant:
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
March 21 @ Cleveland: Scored 28 points to go along with 18 rebounds, four blocks, four steals and four steals in a 97-86 win over the Cavaliers
March 23 @ New York: Recorded 33 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a 111-99 win over the Knicks.
March 25 vs. New Jersey: Posted 21 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 99-85 win over the Nets. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
March 22 vs. Phoenix: Tallied 42 points to go along with 12 rebounds and nine assists in a 139-137 win over the Suns
March 25 vs. L.A. Clippers: Scored 37 points to go along with six assists and four rebounds in a 112-104 win over the Clippers.
March 27 @ New Orleans: Recorded 30 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals in a 102-84 victory over the Hornets.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Memphis' Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, Miami's Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Sacramento's Marcus Thornton.