Mon Mar 24 14:59:07 2008

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Garnett, Paul earn NBA weekly honors

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for the period ending March 23. This marks the second time each has picked up the award this season.

In the East, Garnett led the Celtics to three-straight victories over the powerhouses in Texas (Dallas, Houston and San Antonio) before succumbing to Paul's Hornets over the weekend. The Celtics became the first team since 2001 (Sacramento Kings) to sweep the trio in Texas. For the week, Garnett averaged 20.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals, including a 22-point, 11-rebound effort in a 94-74 drubbing of the Houston Rockets, who had won 22 straight games prior to the loss. The Celtics hold a six-game edge in the Eastern Conference with a league-best 55-14 record.

Out West, Paul paced the Hornets to a 3-0 record while recording 25.7 points, 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals. The dynamic point guard saved his best performances for late in the Chicago game, scoring 16 fourth-quarter points in a 108-97 victory over the Bulls and dropping seven points in to the final 2:12 in a 113-106 come-from-behind victory over the Celtics. Paul has scored 20-plus points in 15 of the team's 18 games, as the Hornets kept pace with the Los Angeles Lakers for the top spot in the Western Conference.