NBA announces Players of the Week: Watson wins for the first time, Barnes also honored; Kawhi, Avdija among nominees

On January 13th Beijing time, the NBA officially revealed the Players of the Week for Week 12. Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes were named the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively. This marks Watson’s first career Player of the Week award, while it is Barnes’s second time receiving this honor. Stars like Kawhi Leonard and Deni Avdija also received nominations.

Western Conference Player of the Week: Watson (Nuggets)

Last week, Watson led a shorthanded Nuggets team to a 3-1 record, averaging 24.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game, with an impressive three-point shooting percentage of 70%.

In the game against the 76ers, Watson posted 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks; versus the Celtics, he scored 30 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished 2 assists, had 1 steal, and 2 blocks, shooting 6 of 7 from three; against the Hawks, Watson contributed 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block; in the matchup with the Bucks, he recorded 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks, making 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

So far this season, Watson averages 13.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%. The Nuggets hold a 26-13 record, currently third in the Western Conference.

Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Barnes (Raptors)

The Raptors also posted a 3-1 record last week, with Barnes averaging 22 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, appearing in all three wins.

Against the Hawks, Barnes recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists; versus the Hornets, he posted 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block; in the game against the 76ers, Barnes scored 31 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and handed out 8 assists, delivering a clutch free throw to seal the win.

This season, Barnes averages 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting 50.5% from the field. The Raptors stand at 24-16, currently fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Other nominees include:

West: Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Devin Booker (Suns), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers);

East: Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Joel Embiid (76ers), Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Isaiah Nemhard (Pacers)