In a week where Russell Westbrook dropped his 10th triple double of the season and James Harden dropped an effortless 50 points. There were two players that continue to lead their teams and in consistent fashion. Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul and Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade are your NBA Players Of The Week.
Wade led the Heat to a 3-1 record after averaging 24.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 2.25 steals while shooting 53.2 percent from the field. He led the team in points three times and in assists and steals once each. He scored in double-figures in all four games, including two 30-point games. Wade is currently averaging 7.0 points in the fourth quarter this season, the second-highest average in the NBA. He is also shooting 48 percent from the field, and along with point guard Goran Dragic, they are combining to shot 49.3 percent, the highest for a starting backcourt duo in the league.
Paul helped the Clippers to a 4-0 week behind averages of 26.0 points, 11.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals. He posted three double-doubles during the week and scored at least 30 points twice. He was also an NBA-best +71 points while on the court.
On Mar. 20 against Washington, the All-Star point guard collected 30 points, 15 assists, six rebounds and a steal while committing just one turnover in a 113-99 win. Paul is one of only 14 players since 1985-86 to record 30+ points and 15+ assists without turning the ball over more than once. In a pivotal game for Western Conference Playoff seeding, Paul had 23 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in a 107-100 win over New Orleans on Mar. 22.
Paul has his right hand man in Blake Griffin back. Which means that the Clips can fight Portland and Houston for optimum Playoff position. While the Miami Heat try and gain momentum and beat out the bottom teams in the East so they can get the 7th seed and most likely play Cleveland. Which, if that happens. Will be juicer than a prime rib.
