Every Monday night, the NBA has become accustomed to distributing awards for the best players of the previous week. On January 9, LeBron James and Donovan Mitchell were honored by the Great League.
Before this Monday, there were only five players in the entire history of the NBA to have been voted “player of the week” at 38 or older: Michael Jordan (twice), Reggie Miller, Tim Duncan, Karl Malone and John Stockton. They are now six. LeBron has just been rewarded by the League, ten days after having blown out its 38 candles. A title that the King did not steal as James guided the Lakers to a perfect week – four wins in four games – despite an Anthony Davis still absent. His stats? 35 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.7 assists at 55% shooting success in three games (LBJ did not play against Miami). LeBron was particularly successful against the Hornets (43 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and the Kings (37 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists), enough to boost the good dynamics of the Lakers.
In the Eastern Conference, it was Donovan Mitchell who therefore won the day. How could it be otherwise after planting… 71 points off the Bulls lead last Monday ? Admittedly Spida has cooled off since then (20 and 22 points, as well as a missed match for rest), no doubt a little tired after this feat, but he deserves to be rewarded just for his historic match. Cleveland has also won three out of four games – the three where Mitchell has played – despite two absences from Darius Garland, which allows the Cavs to continue to believe in the Eastern podium.
Among the nominees this week were Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr. and… Thomas Bryant in the West, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Brunson – Julius Randle, Kevin Durant, Tyrese Haliburton – Myles Turner and Zach LaVine in the East.
Source texte : NBA
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 12 of the 2022-23 season (Jan. 2-8). pic.twitter.com/hZdStPkceZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 9, 2023