James Harden, Jimmy Butler named NBA Players of the Week

Houston Rockets guard James Harden and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler have been named Western Conference and Eastern Conference players of the week, respectively, for the week of Dec. 22-28, the NBA announced Monday.

Harden averaged 34.7 points on 55.7 percent shooting in three games last week, leading the Rockets to a 2-1 week while also adding 7.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and a block, while shooting better than 47 percent from 3-point range.

Butler averaged 23 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 blocks in leading the Bulls to a perfect week that included wins over the Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Butler, who is the early favorite for the league's Most Improved Player award, also took home Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors for November.