Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and Boston Celtics centre Kristaps Porzingis have been named the Western and Eastern Players of the Week for Week 24, for games played from April 1 through April 7.
This marks Irving’s fifth Player of the Week honour and his first since the 2014-15 season, while Porzingis wins his fourth Eastern Conference Player of the Week award and his first with the Celtics.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving and Boston Celtics forward-center Kristaps Porziņģis have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 24 of the 2023-24 season (April 1-7). pic.twitter.com/EixF2FiKgL
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 8, 2024
Eight-time All-Star Irving led Dallas to a 3-1 week with averages of 31.8 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, while shooting 52.4% from the field as they saw off the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets to occupy the fifth spot in the West.
The 32-year-old saw off competition from five other stars: Devin Booker (Suns), Anthony Davis (Lakers), Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), and Mavericks teammate Luka Doncic.
Porzingis, on the other hand, helped the Boston Celtics, who have the league’s best record, to a 4-0 week, averaging 19.8 points per game, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, as they fended off the Hornets, Thunder, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trail Blazers.
The former New York Knicks and Washington Wizards man overcame the likes of Paolo Banchero (Magic), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (76ers), and Indiana Pacers’ guard Tyrese Haliburton to win the accolade.
Irving’s win ensures that a Mavericks player has now won the award in consecutive weeks after Doncic’s Week 23 triumph, while Porzingis’ honour sets an NBA record as the Celtics become the first team to have four different players win the award in a single season.
