Jazz's Jefferson, Heat's James named Players of the Week

NEW YORK -- The Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Utah Jazz's Al Jefferson today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, April 16, through Sunday, April 22.

James helped Miami to a 4-1 week, averaging 31.0 points on 58 percent shooting, while grabbing 7.5 rebounds and dishing out 5.5 assists per game. He did not play in Miami's only loss of the week, an 86-84 defeat against Washington. He scored at least 25 points in all four games he appeared in, including two 30-point performances. On April 16, he scored Miami's final 17 points in the final 4:47 at New Jersey in a 101-98 win. The 17 consecutive points tied the Miami record for most consecutive points to end a Heat victory.

Jefferson registered three double-doubles to help Utah to a 3-0 week, as the Jazz competes for a playoff spot. He averaged 20.0 points and paced the league in rebounding with 15.3 boards per game. On April 16, he led the Jazz with 28 points and tied a career high with 26 rebounds to elevate the Jazz to 123-121 triple-overtime victory over the Mavericks.

Here is a recap of the week for James and Jefferson:

 April 16 @ New Jersey: Scored 17 of his 37 points in the final 4:47 to defeat the Nets 101-98.

 April 19 vs. Chicago: Recorded a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds in a 83-72 victory over the Bulls.

 April 22 vs. Houston: Poured in 32 points, and added eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks in a 97-88 victory over the Rockets.

 April 16 vs. Dallas: Scored 28 points, and matched a career high with 26 rebounds in a 123-121 triple-overtime victory over the Mavericks.

 April 18 @ Portland: Scored 11 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a 112-91 win over the Trail Blazers

 March 30 vs. Orlando: Tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a 117-107 win over the Magic.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Denver's Ty Lawson, L.A. Clippers' Chris Paul, New York's Carmelo Anthony, San Antonio's Manu Ginobili, and Washington's Kevin Seraphin and John Wall.