Bulls’ Jimmy Butler and Warriors’ Stephen Curry named NBA Players of the Week
NEW YORK – The Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 2 through Sunday, Jan. 8.
Butler led the Bulls to a 3-0 week, averaging a league-leading 38.0 points to go with 9.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He opened the week by scoring 52 points in a 118-111 win over the Charlotte Hornets, the second 50-point game of his career and the first by a Bull at the United Center since Michael Jordan in April 1997. Butler was prolific at the free throw line, making 21-of-22 against the Hornets and closing the week by shooting 18-for-20 from the stripe on his way to 42 points in a 123-118 overtime win over the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 7.
Curry led the Warriors to a 3-1 week behind averages of 31.8 points (third in the West), 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He scored at least 30 points in three of his four games and logged his second 40-point outing of the season when he finished with 40 points in a 128-119 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 6. Curry, who became just the seventh player in Warriors history to score 12,000 career points, shot 50.0 percent from the field, 89.5 percent from the free throw line and 39.1 percent from three-point range.
Here is a recap of the week for Butler and Curry:
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
Jan. 2 vs. Charlotte: Scored a season-high 52 points and added 12 rebounds and six assists in a 118-111 win over the Hornets.
Jan. 4 @ Cleveland: Tallied 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds in a 106-94 victory against the Cavaliers.
Jan. 7 vs. Toronto: Finished with 42 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 123-118 overtime win over the Raptors.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Jan. 2 vs. Denver: Registered 22 points and five assists in a 127-119 victory against the Nuggets.
Jan. 4 vs. Portland: Recorded 35 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a 125-117 win over the Trail Blazers.
Jan. 6 vs. Memphis: Scored 40 points, dished out six assists and grabbed four rebounds in a 128-119 overtime loss to the Grizzlies.
Jan. 8 @ Sacramento: Finished with 30 points, six assists and four rebounds in a 117-106 victory against the Kings.
Other nominees for the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Dennis Schröder, Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Houston’s James Harden, Indiana’s Paul George and Jeff Teague, the LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and Austin Rivers, Memphis’ Mike Conley and Zach Randolph, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe, Portland’s C.J. McCollum and San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge.
PHILADELPHIA’S EMBIID AND NEW ORLEANS’ HIELD
NAMED KIA NBA ROOKIES OF THE MONTH
NAMED KIA NBA ROOKIES OF THE MONTH
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2017 – The Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and the New Orleans Pelicans’ Buddy Hield today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in December.
Embiid, 22, the third pick in NBA Draft 2014 presented by State Farm, led all rookies in scoring (19.8 ppg), rebounding (6.8 rpg) and blocked shots (2.40 bpg) in December. He also attempted a rookie-high 73 free throws in 10 games, hitting 78.1 percent. The 7-foot center scored 23 or more points in four of his last five games during the month, highlighted by a career-high 33-point performance to go with 10 rebounds in a 108-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 18.
Hield, 23, the sixth pick in NBA Draft 2016 presented by State Farm, led West rookies in scoring (10.6 ppg) and three-point field goal percentage (47.8) and topped all first-year players in three-pointers made (33). The 6-4 guard scored in double figures nine times in 16 games, including 12 or more points in each of the final three games of December (a 3-0 stretch for New Orleans). On Dec. 15, Hield set career highs with 21 points and five three-pointers in a 102-95 victory against the Indiana Pacers.
Here is a recap of December for Embiid and Hield:
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 18 vs. Brooklyn: Recorded 33 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a 108-107 victory over the Nets.
Dec. 23 @ Phoenix: Scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 123-116 loss to the Suns.
Dec. 30 @ Denver: Posted 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals in a 124-122 win against the Nuggets.
Dec. 30 @ Denver: Posted 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals in a 124-122 win against the Nuggets.
Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans
Dec. 15 vs. Indiana: Registered 21 points and four rebounds in a 102-95 win against the Pacers.
Dec. 26 vs. Dallas: Scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field in a 111-104 victory over the Mavericks.
Dec. 28 vs. LA Clippers: Finished with 17 points, six rebounds and two steals in a 102-98 victory against the Clippers.
Other nominees for the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month were Brooklyn’s Isaiah Whitehead, Dallas’ Dorian Finney-Smith, Denver’s Jamal Murray, Memphis’ Andrew Harrison, Milwaukee’s Malcolm Brogdon, Philadelphia’s Dario Saric and Phoenix’s Marquese Chriss.
WASHINGTON’S WALL AND HOUSTON’S HARDEN
NAMED KIA NBA PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
NAMED KIA NBA PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2017 – The Washington Wizards’ John Wall and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in December.
Wall led the Eastern Conference in assists (10.7 apg) and steals (2.67 spg) and ranked fifth in scoring (24.5 ppg) as the Wizards (10-5) posted their first 10-win month since December 2014. The reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week was one of only three players to average a point-assist double-double in December, joining Harden and the LA Clippers’ Chris Paul. Wall, who scored a career-high 52 points in a 124-116 loss to the Orlando Magic on Dec. 6, shot 49.1 percent from the field and 81.4 percent from the free throw line for the month.
Harden led the league in assists (12.0 apg) and ranked fourth in scoring (28.3 ppg) as the Rockets (15-2) tied a franchise record for wins in a month and outscored their opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game. He became the first player in NBA history with at least 50 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a game when scored a career-high 53 points, equaled a career best with 17 assists and grabbed a Rockets-season-high 16 rebounds in a 129-122 win over the New York Knicks on Dec. 31, one of his five triple-doubles in December. Harden added 9.1 rebounds and 1.53 steals while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 85.9 percent from the free throw line.
Here is a closer look at December for Wall and Harden:
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Dec. 6 vs. Orlando: Scored a career-high 52 points and added eight assists in a 124-116 loss to the Magic
Dec. 14 vs. Charlotte: Tallied 25 points, 10 assists, seven steals and six rebounds in a 109-106 win over the Hornets.
Dec. 28 vs. Indiana: Finished with 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a 111-105 win over the Pacers.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Dec. 1 @ Golden State: Finished with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in a 132-127 win over the Warriors.
Dec. 5 vs. Boston: Shot 18-for-18 from the line on his way to 37 points in a 107-106 win over the Celtics.
Dec. 30 vs. LA Clippers: Tallied 30 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals in a 140-116 win over the Clippers.
Other nominees for Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Golden State’s Kevin Durant, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.
WASHINGTON’S WALL AND HOUSTON’S HARDEN NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2017 – The Washington Wizards’ John Wall and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 1.
Wall led the Wizards to a 3-0 week, with all three victories coming at home, where Washington has won eight consecutive games. He averaged 24.3 points (eighth in the East), an NBA-leading 13.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.67 steals (second in the East) for the week. After opening the week with 18 points and a season-high 16 assists in a 107-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 26, Wall recorded 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a 111-105 victory against the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 28.
Harden lifted the Rockets to a 4-0 week by leading the NBA in scoring (37.3 ppg), ranking second in the league in assists (12.5 apg) and finishing tied for eighth in the West in rebounding (9.8 rpg). In addition to shooting 56.0 percent from the field, 45.9 percent from three-point range and 88.9 percent from the free throw line, Harden scored 30 or more points and handed out at least 10 assists in all four games.
The 27-year-old Houston guard closed the week with back-to-back triple-doubles, including a historic performance in a 129-122 victory against the New York Knicks on Dec. 31, when Harden scored a career-high 53 points, equaled a career best with 17 assists and grabbed a Rockets-season-high 16 rebounds. Harden became the first player in NBA history to have at least 50 points, 15 assists and 15 rebounds in a game, and he tied Wilt Chamberlain (1968) for the most points in a triple-double.
Here is a recap of the week for Wall and Harden:
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Dec. 26 vs. Milwaukee: Notched 18 points, 16 assists, two steals and two blocked shots in a 107-102 win over the Bucks.
Dec. 28 vs. Indiana: Tallied 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a 111-105 victory against the Pacers.
Dec. 30 vs. Brooklyn: Finished with 19 points, 14 assists and four steals in a 118-95 win over the Nets as the Wizards improved to 16-16 for the season.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Dec. 26 vs. Phoenix: Registered 32 points and 12 assists in a 131-115 victory against the Suns.
Dec. 27 @ Dallas: Recorded 34 points and 11 assists in a 123-107 win over the Mavericks.
Dec. 30 vs. LA Clippers: Posted a triple-double of 30 points, 13 boards and 10 assists and added five steals in a 140-116 victory over the Clippers.
Dec. 31 vs. New York: Scored 53 points (nine threes made), dished out 17 assists and grabbed 16 rebounds in a 129-122 win over the Knicks.
Other nominees for the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, LA Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Portland’s C.J. McCollum and Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins.
BOSTON’S THOMAS AND OKLAHOMA CITY’S WESTBROOK NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2016 – The Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 25.
Thomas led the Eastern Conference in scoring (33.3 ppg) and ranked sixth in assists (7.3 apg) as the Celtics went 3-1, with all three wins coming on the road. He scored a career-high 44 points, including 36 in the second half, in a 112-109 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 20. Thomas shot 48.8 percent from the field and 90.7 percent (39-for-43) from the free throw line for the week. He matched his season high with 10 assists in a 117-112 loss to the Thunder on Dec. 23.
Westbrook led the Thunder to a 3-1 week, averaging a league-high 41.0 points, 10.0 assists and 9.8 rebounds. He became only the third player in history to log three straight games with at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, joining Elgin Baylor, who did it twice, and Wilt Chamberlain. Westbrook notched his league-leading 14th triple-double of the season with 45 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Oklahoma City’s win over the Celtics. It was his sixth career triple-double with at least 40 points, placing him third all-time behind Oscar Robertson (22) and Chamberlain (seven).
Here is a recap of the week for Thomas and Westbrook:
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Dec. 20 @ Memphis: Scored a career-high 44 points and added six assists in a 112-109 overtime win over the Grizzlies.
Dec. 22 @ Indiana: Finished with 28 points and nine assists in a 109-102 win over the Pacers.
Dec. 23 vs. Oklahoma City: Matched a season high with 10 assists and scored 34 points in a 117-112 loss to the Thunder.
Dec. 25 @ New York: Scored 27 points and added four assists and three rebounds in a 119-114 win over the Knicks.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Dec. 19 vs. Atlanta: Scored 46 points and added 11 rebounds and seven assists in a 110-108 loss to the Hawks.
Dec. 21 @ New Orleans: Tallied 42 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in a 121-10 win over the Pelicans.
Dec. 23 @ Boston: Notched his 14th triple-double with 45 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a 117-112 win over the Celtics.
Dec. 25 vs. Minnesota: Finished with 31 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds in a 112-100 win over the Timberwolves.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week include Charlotte’s Nicolas Batum, Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Golden State’s Kevin Durant, Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and Toronto’s Kyle Lowry.
TORONTO’S DeROZAN AND HOUSTON’S HARDEN NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2016 – The Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan and the Houston Rockets’ James Harden today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 18.
DeRozan led the Raptors to a 3-1 week, averaging a league-high 31.5 points on 60.5 percent shooting to go with 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. This marks the second time this season he has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games. DeRozan also shot over 50.0 percent from the field in all four games. On Dec. 16, he tallied 34 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a 125-121 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. On Dec. 18, he finished with 31 points, three rebounds and three assists in a 109-79 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Harden led the Rockets to a 4-0 week behind averages of 27.0 points (third in the West), a league-best 12.8 assists, 9.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals. He recorded back-to-back triple-doubles in victories over the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, giving him six for the season and 15 for his career. Harden surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon for most triple-doubles in Rockets franchise history. He tallied at least 20 points and 10 assists in three of four games, giving him 18 such games this season, tops in the league.
Here is a recap of the week for DeRozan and Harden:
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
Dec. 12 vs. Milwaukee: Scored 30 points on 7-of-11 shooting in a 122-100 win over the Bucks.
Dec. 14 @ Philadelphia: Tallied 31 points, five rebounds and three assists in a 123-114 win over the 76ers.
Dec. 16 vs. Atlanta: Posted 34 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals in a 125-121 loss to the Hawks.
Dec. 18 @ Orlando: Scored 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting to go with five rebounds, four assists and a steal in a 109-79 victory over the Magic.
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Dec. 12 vs Brooklyn: Notched 36 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in a 122-118 victory over the Nets.
Dec. 14 vs. Sacramento: Recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 132-98 win over the Kings.
Dec. 16 vs. New Orleans: Recorded his second straight triple-double with 29 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds in a 122-100 win over the Pelicans.
Dec. 17 @ Minnesota: Scored 28 points to go with 13 assists and nine rebounds in a 111-109 win over the Timberwolves.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week include Golden State’s Kevin Durant, the LA Clippers’ Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Utah’s Rudy Gobert and Washington’s Bradley Beal and John Wall.
ORLANDO MAGIC PURCHASE NBA D-LEAGUE’S ERIE BAYHAWKS
- Will Relocate Team to Lakeland, Fla., for 2017-18 Season -
NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2016 – The Orlando Magic and the NBA Development League announced today that the Magic has agreed to purchase the Erie BayHawks and intend to relocate the team to Lakeland, Fla., to begin play for the 2017-18 season. The anticipated relocation of the NBA D-League team also includes the future development of a practice facility in nearby Winter Haven, Fla. With the purchase, the Magic becomes the 17th NBA team to own and operate an NBA D-League affiliate.
“Today's announcement not only shows the continued growth of the NBA D-League but also enables the Magic to develop players close to home and provides fans in Central Florida the opportunity to watch top NBA prospects compete,” said NBA D-League President Malcolm Turner. “I’m thrilled to welcome the Magic as NBA D-League owners, and I want to thank Steve Demetriou and Owen McCormick for their leadership in Erie.”
“When we started this process, our goal was to have our NBA Development League team closer to home, and the perfect fit for us was the City of Lakeland,” said Magic CEO and NBA D-League Team Managing Partner Alex Martins. “Having our D-League team in Lakeland gives us the best opportunity to continue developing our young players and extend the Orlando Magic brand across Central Florida.”
Located near the heart of Central Florida, Lakeland is approximately 55 miles from downtown Orlando and approximately 35 miles from downtown Tampa. The franchise will play its 24 home games at The Lakeland Center.
“Things happen in a city which can profoundly change for the better that city’s future,” said Mayor of Lakeland Howard Wiggs. “Lakeland now has professional basketball and we are excited. This is a great example that Lakeland has a bright future and we are glad to be partnering with such a quality organization like the Orlando Magic.”
“The Lakeland Center is thrilled to welcome the NBA D-League to Polk County,” said The Lakeland Center Executive Director Tony Camarillo. “It was a focused effort that involved many members from all over the community. Bringing professional basketball to Lakeland will not only continue to increase the sports and entertainment options available to this thriving community, but it joins the ranks of other prestigious events that The Lakeland Center is honored to host, making Lakeland a premiere destination for sports and entertainment in Central Florida.”
The Magic and the BayHawks recently began the final year of a three-year, single-affiliation hybrid partnership wherein the Magic controls the basketball operations and local ownership manages business operations. During the partnership, Orlando has assigned two players to develop in Erie. Four current members of the Magic have NBA D-League experience: Arinze Onuaku, C.J. Watson, C.J. Wilcox and Stephen Zimmerman.
The Magic also announced that Shelly Wilkes has been named the Lakeland team’s president, and Demetriou and Martins will be joining as minority partners in the ownership of the new team. Wilkes currently serves as the Magic’s senior director of event presentation, broadcast production and creative services. She has been a full time member of the Magic staff since 2004.
Season-ticket deposits for the 2017-18 season are now being accepted by calling 407-447-2210 or logging on to OrlandoMagic.com/Lakeland.
Last season, 32 NBA D-League players earned 42 GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA, while 68 NBA players spent time in the NBA D-League on assignment. In total, more than 40 percent of players drafted into the NBA since 2005 have spent time in the NBA D-League
NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE TO TEST FOUR- AND FIVE-PERSON REFEREE CREWS
--Larger Referee Crews to Call Nine NBA D-League Games--
NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2016 – The NBA Development League will experiment with four- and five-person officiating crews for nine games this season, it was announced today. The nine-game trial, which is being conducted by NBA and NBA D-League Referee Operations, will begin on Dec. 26 when the Westchester Knicks face the Long Island Nets at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The initiative will allow the NBA to gather live-game data on the larger officiating crews, continuing its use of the NBA D-league for research and development.
“We are committed to finding ways to better serve our game and provide the highest levels of training for our officials,” said Bob Delaney, NBA Vice President, Referee Operations & Director of Officials. “We are confident in how our three-person system works and are constantly thinking of ways to improve our game. The four- and five-referee initiative is a prime example of that focus and will help the NBA with research and development. The NBA D-League provides the perfect opportunity to conduct this test.”
The four-person experiments will be run in two configurations. The first will feature two officials in the lead position and two split between the slot and the trail. The second is highlighted by two officials in the slot position with the additional two as a trail and a lead, respectively. In the five-person tests, the existing three-person system will rotate typically with the two additional officials taking lead stationary positions on each end of the court. The testing comes on the heels of similar experimental four-person crews tested during the 2016 Utah Jazz Summer League.
The full slate of games in the trial will take place at Barclays Center and will feature the Long Island Nets and nine different NBA D-League Eastern Conference opponents between Dec. 26 and March 19. The first five scheduled experimental games will be officiated by four referees, while the remaining four contests will feature five-person crews.
The initiative is the latest test conducted for the NBA by the NBA D-League, which has experimented with rules changes, technological advancements and equipment research. Among the experimental rules being utilized in the NBA D-League this season are the Coach’s Challenge, the Reset Timeout and a three-minute overtime period.
A full schedule for the experimental games is below.
Dec 26, 2016 Westchester Knicks @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 2, 2017 Delaware 87ers @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 4, 2017 Erie BayHawks @ Long Island Nets 3:00 p.m. ET
Jan. 6, 2017 Maine Red Claws @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 10, 2017 Ft. Wayne Mad Ants @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Jan. 12, 2017 Greensboro Swarm @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Feb. 1, 2017 Windy City Bulls @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Feb. 8, 2017 Canton Charge @ Long Island Nets 1:30 p.m. ET
Mar. 19, 2017 Raptors 905 @ Long Island Nets 4:00 p.m. ET
CLEVELAND’S JAMES AND MEMPHIS’ GASOL NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2016 – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 11.
James led the Cavaliers to a 4-0 week, pacing the NBA in scoring with 32.5 points (on 58.5 percent shooting) while averaging 8.0 assists (second in the East), 7.8 rebounds and 2.25 steals (tied for fourth in the East). On Dec. 9, he scored 27 points and passed Elvin Hayes for ninth place on the all-time scoring list in a 114-84 victory over the Miami Heat. The next day, he scored a season-high 44 points to go with 10 assists, nine rebounds and three steals in a 116-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets. During the game, he became the first player in NBA history to amass 27,000 points, 7,000 rebounds and 7,000 assists in a career.
Gasol led the Grizzlies to a 4-0 week behind averages of 27.3 points (fourth in the West), 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks. He began the week by recording his second career triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 110-108 double-overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Gasol registered 26 points and a season-high 12 rebounds in a 96-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 6, and he scored a season-high 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in an 88-86 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 8.
Here is a recap of the week for James and Gasol:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Dec. 5 @ Toronto: Recorded 34 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 116-112 win over the Raptors
Dec. 7 @ New York: Tallied 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a 126-94 win against the Knicks.
Dec. 9 vs. Miami: Finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals in a 114-84 victory over the Heat.
Dec. 10 vs. Charlotte: Posted 44 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a 116-105 win over the Hornets.
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Dec. 5 @ New Orleans: Posted a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 110-108 double-overtime win over the Pelicans.
Dec. 6 vs. Philadelphia: Notched 26 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a 96-91 victory over the 76ers.
Dec. 8 vs. Portland: Scored 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in an 88-86 win against the Trail Blazers.
Dec. 10 vs Golden State: Tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 110-89 win over the Warriors.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Paul Millsap, Charlotte’s Nicolas Batum, Golden State’s Klay Thompson, Houston’s James Harden, New York’s Carmelo Anthony, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe, San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard, Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, and Washington’s John Wall.
CLEVELAND’S LUE AND GOLDEN STATE’S KERR NAMED
NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE COACHES OF THE MONTH
NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2016 – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tyronn Lue and the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr today were named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.
Lue guided the reigning NBA champion Cavaliers to an Eastern Conference-best 13-3 record during October and November, matching the best 16-game start in franchise history. Cleveland, which began the season with six straight victories, ranked second in the NBA in scoring (111.3 points per game), three-point field goal percentage (39.0) and three-pointers made (13.8 per game). The Cavaliers sank a team-record 21 three-pointers in a 137-125 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 23.
Kerr led the Warriors to an NBA-best 16-2 record in October and November, including 12 victories in a row entering December. Golden State paced the NBA in scoring (117.6 ppg), assists (31.1 apg), field goal percentage (50.2) and blocked shots (6.6 bpg). The Warriors notched at least 30 assists in 10 consecutive games, the longest streak in franchise history, and they registered a team-record 47 assists in a 149-106 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 23.
Other nominees for the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Coaches of the Month were Charlotte’s Steve Clifford, Chicago’s Fred Hoiberg, Houston’s Mike D’Antoni, the LA Clippers’ Doc Rivers, the Lakers’ Luke Walton, Memphis’ David Fizdale, San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich and Toronto’s Dwane Casey.
PHILADELPHIA’S EMBIID AND DENVER’S MURRAY
NAMED KIA NBA ROOKIES OF THE MONTH
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 – The Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.
Embiid, 22, the third pick in NBA Draft 2014 presented by State Farm, paced all rookies in scoring (18.2 ppg), rebounding (7.8 rpg), blocks (2.42 bpg) and three-point field goal percentage (50.0). He is the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in the 1992-93 season to post these averages through 12 games. Embiid recorded four point-rebound double-doubles and scored a season-high 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting in a 120-105 win over the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 19. On Nov. 11, he tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a 109-105 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Murray, 19, the seventh pick in NBA Draft 2016 presented by State Farm, led all West rookies in scoring (10.4 ppg) to go with 2.8 rebounds (fourth) and 2.1 assists (fifth). He scored at least 18 points in four of six games to close the month, including a 24-point, six-rebound effort on Nov. 22 in a 110-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls. On Nov. 25, he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block in a 132-129 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Here is a recap of October and November for Embiid and Murray:
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Nov. 11 vs. Indiana: Recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a 109-105 win over the Pacers.
Nov. 19 vs. Phoenix: Scored a season-high 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting to go with seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a 120-105 victory the Suns.
Nov. 27 vs. Cleveland: Posted 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 112-108 loss to the Cavaliers.
Nov. 27 vs. Cleveland: Posted 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 112-108 loss to the Cavaliers.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Nov. 20 vs Utah: Scored 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting to go with four assists and two rebounds in a 105-91 win over the Jazz
Nov. 22 vs. Chicago: Scored a season-high 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting to go with six rebounds and two assists in a 110-107 victory over the Bulls.
Nov. 25 vs. Oklahoma City: Contributed 20 points, seven rebounds and two steals in a 132-129 loss to the Thunder.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month were Boston’s Jaylen Brown, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Brandon Ingram, New York’s Willy Hernangomez, New Orleans’ Buddy Hield, Oklahoma City’s Domantas Sabonis, Philadelphia’s Dario Saric and Toronto’s Pascal Siakam.
CLEVELAND’S JAMES AND OKLAHOMA CITY’S WESTBROOK NAMED
KIA NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
KIA NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2016 – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.
James led the defending champion Cavaliers to the best record in the Eastern Conference (13-3) behind averages of 23.5 points, 9.3 assists (tied for third in the NBA) and 8.1 rebounds. He tallied three triple-doubles to match his total from last season and logged seven games with at least 10 assists. The 31-year-old James became the youngest player to reach the 27,000-point mark and needs one assist to take over sole possession of 16th place on the all-time list. James shot 49.8 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three-point range.
Westbrook is averaging a triple-double through 20 games for the Northwest Division-leading Thunder (12-8). The 6-3 guard ranks second in the NBA in scoring (31.2 ppg) and assists (11.3 apg) and 11th in rebounding (10.5 rpg). Westbrook became only the second player in history with at least 500 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists through 20 games, joining Oscar Robertson, who reached those numbers in his 17th game during the 1961-62 season. Westbrook’s nine triple-doubles -- including four straight to close the month -- matched the output of the entire league combined.
Here is a closer look at October and November for James and Westbrook:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Oct. 25 vs. New York: Opened the season with 19 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 117-88 win over the Knicks.
Nov. 15 vs. Toronto: Scored 28 points and added 14 assists and nine rebounds in a 121-117 win over the Raptors.
Nov. 23 vs. Portland: Finished with 31 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in a 137-125 win over the Trail Blazers.
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct. 28 vs. Phoenix: Scored a season-high 51 points and added 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a 113-110 overtime win over the Suns.
Nov. 25 @ Denver: Finished with 36 points, 17 assists and 11 rebounds in a 132-129 overtime win over the Nuggets.
Nov. 30 vs. Washington: Tallied 35 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in a 126-115 overtime win over the Wizards.
Other nominees for Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Chicago’s Jimmy Butler, Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, Golden State’s Kevin Durant, Houston’s James Harden, the LA Clippers’ Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, Memphis’ Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, Miami’s Hassan Whiteside, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, New York’s Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan.
CLEVELAND’S LOVE AND GOLDEN STATE’S DURANT NAMED
NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2016 – The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love and the Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant today were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 27.
Love led the Cavaliers to a 3-0 week behind an East-leading 30.7 points to go with 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals. He connected on 19-of-29 three-point attempts (65.5 percent) and made all 21 of his free-throw attempts. On Nov. 23, he scored a season-high 40 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed out three assists in a 137-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Love set an NBA record with 34 first-quarter points, the second-highest total in any quarter in league history.
Durant helped the Warriors to a 4-0 week behind averages of 24.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.75 blocked shots (tied for second in the West). He connected on 9-of-18 attempts (50.0 percent) from three-point range. On Nov. 23, he scored 28 points (on 11-for-15 shooting from the field) and added six rebounds and five assists in a 149-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He closed the week with 28 points, 10 rebounds, a career-high six blocks and five assists as Golden State extended its winning streak to 11 games with a 115-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 26.
Here is a recap of the week for Love and Durant:
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Nov. 23 vs. Portland: Scored 40 points (34 in the first quarter) and hit 8-for-12 three-pointers in a 137-125 win over the Trail Blazers
Nov. 25 vs. Dallas: Finished with 27 points, including 7-for-9 on three-point attempts, to go with 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals in a 128-90 victory over the Mavericks.
Nov. 27 @ Philadelphia: Tallied 25 points and 11 rebounds in a 112-108 victory over the 76ers.
Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
Nov. 23 vs. L.A. Lakers: Recorded 28 points, six rebounds and five assists in a 149-106 win over the Lakers.
Nov. 25 @ L.A. Lakers: Notched 29 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two blocks in a 109-85 victory against the Lakers.
Nov. 26 vs. Minnesota: Posted 28 points, 10 rebounds, a career-high six blocks and five assists in a 115-102 win over the Timberwolves.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, Houston’s James Harden, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, New York’s Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe, Portland’s Damian Lillard, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and Toronto’s Kyle Lowry.
