Bobcats' Jefferson, Warriors' Curry named April's top players

The Charlotte Bobcats' Al Jefferson and the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry were named Friday the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in April.

Jefferson ranked second among Eastern Conference players in both scoring (24.5 ppg) and rebounding (14.3 rpg) as he helped the Bobcats to the league's best record in April at 7-1 (.875). He posted a point-rebound double-double in each of Charlotte's eight games, and corralled 15 or more rebounds five times. On April 14, he tallied 27 points (11-of-17 field goals) and added 15 rebounds during a 95-93 win over the Hawks. This marks the second consecutive Kia NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month award for Jefferson.

Curry, who appeared in eight of nine games Golden State played in April, helped the Warriors to a 6-3 (.667) record behind averages of 26.4 ppg (fifth in the conference), a league-leading 9.9 apg, and 2.38 spg (second in the conference). He scored in double figures in each contest, surpassing the 30-point plateau four times, and the 40-point plateau once. Curry handed out 10 or more assists five times, including a career-high-tying 16 helpers on April 6, during a 130-102 win over the Utah Jazz.

Here is a closer look at the month for Jefferson and Curry:

Al Jefferson, Charlotte Bobcats

April 4 vs. Orlando: Posted 29 points and 16 rebounds during a 91-80 win over the Magic.
April 12 vs. Philadelphia: Scored 29 points and added 12 rebounds and two blocks in a 111-105 win over the Sixers.
April 14 @ Atlanta: Tallied 27 points and 15 rebounds in a 95-93 win over the Hawks.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

April 6 vs. Utah: Scored 31 points and tied a career-high with 16 assists in a 130-102 win over the Jazz.
April 11 @ L.A. Lakers: Tallied a triple-double with 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 112-95 win over the Lakers.
April 13 @ Portland: Poured in 47 points and added five assists and three steals in a 119-117 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Other nominees for Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Atlanta's Paul Millsap, Chicago's Joakim Noah, Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, Memphis' Marc Gasol, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Toronto's DeMar DeRozan and Washington's Marcin Gortat.