Jefferson, Nowitzki named Players of the Week

The Charlotte Bobcats' Al Jefferson and the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki on Monday were named NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, March 31, through Sunday, April 6.

Jefferson led the Bobcats to a 4-0 week, which saw them clinch their second playoff berth in franchise history. Jefferson averaged 24.3 points (fourth in the conference) on .481 shooting from the floor, to go along with13.0 rebounds (second in the conference) and 1.25 blocks (tied for fifth in the conference). On April 5, he recorded 24 points, including seven in overtime, to seal a 96-94 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the third time this season that Jefferson has staked claim to Player of the Week honors.

Nowitzki led the Mavericks to a 3-1 week, averaging 25.3 points (fourth in the conference) and 8.0 rebounds. He connected on 13-of-23 three-point attempts and his .565 shooting from behind the arc was good for seventh in the conference. On April 3, he had 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting and 11 rebounds to help the Mavericks to a 113-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Here is a recap of the week for Jefferson and Nowitzki:

Al Jefferson, Charlotte Bobcats

April 2 @ Philadelphia: Recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds in a 123-93 victory over the 76ers.

April 4 vs. Orlando: Scored 29 points and hauled in 16 rebounds in a 91-80 win over the Magic.

April 5 @ Cleveland: Notched 24 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a 96-94 overtime win over the Cavaliers.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

April 1 vs. Golden State: Registered 33 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals in 122-120 loss to the Warriors.

April 3 @ L.A. Clippers: Recorded 26 points to go along with 11 rebounds and two steals in a 113-107 victory over the Clippers.

April 4 @ L.A. Lakers: Tallied 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists in a 107-95 win over the Lakers.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague, Brooklyn's Joe Johnson, Chicago's Joakim Noah, Golden State's Klay Thompson, Houston's Omer Asik and James Harden, Miami's LeBron James, New York's J.R. Smith, Phoenix's Gerald Green, Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins, San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and Toronto's DeMar DeRozan.