NEW YORK - Atlanta Hawks swingman Joe Johnson and
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming on Monday were named the NBA
Players of the Week.
Johnson earned Eastern Conference honors after leading the Hawks
to victories in two of their three games this past week. He
averaged 29.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists, connecting
on 41 percent (9-of-22) of his 3-pointers.
The 6-7 Johnson has averaged 28.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7
assists this season for the Hawks (4-2), who are off to their
best six-game start since 1998-99.
Yao was the driving force behind the Rockets' four-game winning
streak last week, averaging 29.0 points and 11.3 rebounds while
shooting .557 percent from the field and .903 percent from the
line.
The 7-6 Yao had his most impressive game against the New York
Knicks on Friday, collecting 35 points, 17 rebounds and a
career-high seven blocks to lead Houston to a 103-94 victory.
The All-Star is averaging 27.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in seven
games this season.
Other players nominated were Denver forward Carmelo Anthony,
Golden State guard Baron Davis, Indiana forward Al Harrington,
Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell, Miami guard Dwyane Wade,
Milwaukee guard Michael Redd, Portland forward Zach Randolph,
Sacramento swingman Kevin Martin, San Antonio guard Tony Parker
and Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer.