NBA NEWS MAX - BOSTON’S GARNETT AND NEW ORLEANS’ PAUL NAMED NBA EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK - MARCH 2008

Kevin Garnett - NBA photo Chris Paul - Business Wire photo

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

Garnett led the Celtics to a 3-1 week, as Boston became the first team since the Sacramento Kings in 2001 to sweep the Texas Triangle (Dallas, Houston and San Antonio) - Paul led the Hornets to a 3-0 week, averaging 25.7 points, 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals. Paul has scored 20-plus points in 15 of the team’s last 19 games.

NEW YORK, New York USA - Tuesday March 25, 2008

GARNETT AND PAUL NBA TOPS

The Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett and the New Orleans Hornets’ Chris Paul were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, March 17, through Sunday, March 23. This is the second Player of the Week nod for both players this season.

Garnett led the Celtics to a 3-1 week, as Boston became the first team since the Sacramento Kings in 2001 to sweep the Texas Triangle (Dallas, Houston and San Antonio). The last time Boston accomplished the feat was in 1987. Garnett had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in Boston’s 94-74 win over the Rockets, snapping the team’s 22-game winning streak. For the week, Garnett averaged 20.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals.

Paul led the Hornets to a 3-0 week, averaging 25.7 points, 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals. Paul has scored 20-plus points in 15 of the team’s last 19 games. In a 113-106 win over the Celtics, New Orleans came back from a 15-point deficit as Paul scored seven of his 19 points in the final 2:12 of the game. The Celtics were 36-0 when leading by 15 or more. Paul had 37 points, 13 assists and three steals in a 108-97 victory over the Bulls. He recorded 16 fourth-quarter points to help the Hornets finish the game on a 24-4 run.

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

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

March 17 @ San Antonio: Collected 21 points and eight rebounds in a 93-91 victory over the Spurs.

March 18 @ Houston: Tallied 22 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in a 94-74 win over the Rockets.

March 20 @ Dallas: Registered 20 points, 13 rebounds and three steals in a 94-90 win over the Mavericks.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

March 17 vs. Chicago: Poured in 37 points and added 13 assists and three steals in a 108-97 victory over the Bulls.

March 19 vs. Houston: Tallied 21 points, 10 assists and four steals in a 90-69 win over the Rockets.

March 22 vs. Boston: Collected 19 points and seven assists in a 113-106 win over the Celtics.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Joe Johnson, Boston’s Paul Pierce, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Indiana’s Mike Dunleavy, L.A. Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, Phoenix’s Amaré Stoudemire and Washington’s Antawn Jamison.

(NBA)

RELATED STORY