Pierce P.O.W. again

Celtics’ forward Paul Pierce was named the Eastern Conference player of the week.

Pierce led the Celtics to a 4-0 week averaging 27.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals including a season-high 37 points at Seattle on Dec. 27. He helped lead the Celtics to their first undefeated four-game West coast road trip since the 1992-93 season bringing the Celtics to eight straight wins on the road, the longest such streak since the 1980-81 season.

Hornets point guard Chris Paul was named the Western Conference Player of the Week

Paul led New Orleans to a 3-0 week by averaging 25.7 points, 9.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 steals. The third year guard had his second 40-point game performance of the month at Memphis on Dec. 26 and connected on a career-high 17 field goals and on Dec. 29 against Cleveland, Paul tied his career-high with seven steals. Currently at 21.4 points, 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals on the season, Paul is looking to become the second player in 16 years to average 20-plus points and 10-plus assists (Steve Nash, 2006-07) and the first player in NBA history to average 20-plus points, 10-plus assists and 3-plus steals.