Magic's Howard, Blazers' Aldridge named Players of Week

The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and the Portland Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Jan. 17 through Jan. 23.

Howard led Orlando to 3-1 record on the week, averaging 26 points to go along with 13.3 rebounds (tied for third in the league and second in the East) and 1.3 blocks. He recorded three games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, giving him 20-10 in 23 games on the season. On Jan. 21, vs. Toronto, he scored 31 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in just three quarters of play, including 17 points and seven rebounds in the third quarter.

Aldridge ranked fifth in the league in scoring, averaging 28.3 points to go along with 10.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. His efforts helped the Trail Blazers go 4-0 to extend their season-high winning streak to five games. On Jan. 27, he scored a career-high 37 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 113-102 win over the Timberwolves. Aldridge became the first Trail Blazer to score at least 25 points and grab 10 rebounds in five straight games.