DeRozan, Harden named NBA Players of the Week

DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors and James Harden of the Houston Rockets were named NBA Players of the Week (Dec. 12-18) for the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, the league announced Monday.

This is the second Player of the Week honor for DeRozan this season, and the third of his career. It's also Harden's second nod of the campaign.

The Raptors finished the week with a 3-1 record, including victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and, most recently, the Orlando Magic in a 30-point blowout Sunday night. DeRozan was next to unstoppable on offense, lighting up teams to the tune of a league-best 31.5 points on sizzling 60.5 percent shooting. He also contributed averages of 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while getting to the free-throw line nine times per game in 32.2 minutes.

Houston went a perfect 4-0, thanks in large part to Harden's near triple-double averages of 27 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He did log two triple-doubles in wins over the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, giving him six on the season.

Other nominees for the award included: Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors), Blake Griffin and Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz), as well as John Wall and Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards).