KG and Yao Named top Players

The Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett and the Houston Rockets’ Yao Ming today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 11.

Garnett’s 22.7 points, 15.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists helped lead Boston to a 3-0 week. At 5-0, the Celtics are off to their best start since the 1987-88 season (6-0) and are the NBA’s lone remaining undefeated team. In Boston’s three games last week, Garnett tallied a point-rebound double-double in each to go along 2.7 steals and 1.7 blocks. Garnett’s 15.8 rpg for the season leads the NBA.

Yao captured Western Conference Player of the Week honors on the heels of fellow Rocket Tracy McGrady taking home the season’s first award following NBA Opening Week. Averaging 27.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for the week, Yao helped the Rockets to a 3-1 record, which included wins over San Antonio, Milwaukee and Charlotte. Yao shot .612 from the field and .906 from the foul line, a mark, which includes his current streak of 22 consecutive free throws made.