Carmelo Anthony named Player of the Week for first time since 2014

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Less than two weeks after joining the Portland Trail Blazers, Carmelo Anthony was recognized for his strong performances with his new team.

The NBA announced Monday that Anthony was named the Western Conference Player of the Week. The Trail Blazers posted a 3-0 record during that stretch, beating the Chicago Bulls twice as well as the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Anthony starred in those wins, averaging 22.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The last time the 10-time All-Star forward earned Player of the Week honors was March 10, 2014, while he was playing for the New York Knicks.

In six games with the Trail Blazers, Anthony is averaging 17.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. He is shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3-point territory.

Anthony signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with Portland in mid-November. Prior to signing with the Trail Blazers, he hadn't played since Nov. 8, 2018, with the Houston Rockets.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week. He averaged 34.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, four assists and 1.5 blocks as the Bucks went 4-0.