James, Paul are NBA's players of the week

NEW YORK, March 23 (UPI) -- Cleveland forward LeBron James and New Orleans guard Chris Paul were selected the NBA players of the week, the league said Monday.

Paul took the honor for the NBA Western Conference and James for the Eastern Conference for their play in games March 16-22.

James was second in the Eastern Conference in scoring, averaging 30.3 points per game as the Cavaliers were 4-0 on the week. He had three double-doubles, including a 43-point, 12-rebound performance Wednesday against Orlando. It was the second consecutive week James was the NBA Eastern Conference player of the week. He's won the honor seven times this season.

Paul led the Hornets to a 3-1 week, averaging 28.5 points, 9.5 steals and a league-best 4.5 steals a game. Paul had 32 points, 10 assists and five steals Thursday against Minnesota, the fourth time this year he's had at least 25 points, 10 assists and five steals in a game. Monday's announcement marked his fourth player of the week honor this season.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Boston's Rajon Rondo, Charlotte's Gerald Wallace, Houston's Ron Artest, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Phoenix's Jason Richardson and Portland's Brandon Roy.