The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Elton Brand today were named Eastern Conference and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in November.
James led the Cavaliers to a 10-4 month, marking the first time the team posted 10 or more wins in November since 1977-78 and only the third time in the franchise’s history. James, averaging 28.4 points on 48.9 percent shooting, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.64 steals, scored 25 or more points in 10 of 14 games. In a 123-120 win over the Sixers on Nov. 19, James recorded his first triple-double of the season, with 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Averaging 23.7 points on 56.0 percent shooting, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, Brand led the Clippers to a 10-5 record and first place in the Pacific Division. He is the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 in points and rebounds and ranks fourth in field goal percentage. With 10 double-doubles (points-rebounds) this month, Brand became the franchise’s all-time leader in double-doubles with 182.
Here is a recap of the month for both James and Brand:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Nov. 15 vs. Washington: Scored 37 points on 15-of-23 shooting, while adding 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a 114-99 win over the Wizards.
- Nov. 19 @ Philadelphia: Recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 123-120 win over the Sixers.
- Nov. 26 vs. Minnesota: Recorded a season-high 38 points, to go along with five rebounds, four steals and two assists in a 89-85 loss to the Timberwolves.
Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers:
- Nov. 9 @ Washington: In a 102-97 win over the Wizards, Brand recorded 31 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.
- Nov. 18 @ L.A. Lakers: Recorded a double-double of 23 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, while adding five blocks and three assists in a 97-91 win over the Lakers.
- Nov. 30 @ Cleveland: Had a season-high 33 points, while tallying 13 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 112-105 loss to the Cavaliers.
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, Denver’s Marcus Camby, Detroit’s Chauncey Billups, Golden State’s Jason Richardson, Houston’s Yao Ming, Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal, Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett, Orlando’s Dwight Howard, Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson and San Antonio’s Tony Parker.
