Durant and White Take Home NBA Player of the Week Honors

PHOENIX, Arizona — Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant and Chicago Bulls guard Coby White have been named the NBA Players of the Week for the 2024-25 season’s Week 22, covering March 17-23. This marks the second consecutive week that White has earned the honor in the Eastern Conference, showcasing his impressive performance during this stretch.

White, who averaged 30.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game on .556 shooting, led the Bulls to a 3-1 record. His standout performances solidified his position as one of the league’s top performers. The Bulls highlighted on social media that White is only the second player in franchise history to win Eastern Conference Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks, joining hall of famer Michael Jordan.

Coby White’s successful week comes after he delivered consistent scoring on the road, helping his team remain competitive in the playoff race. His notable stats include shooting .394 from beyond the arc and .848 from the free-throw line, enhancing his contribution to the Bulls’ overall success.

In the Western Conference, Durant shone brightly, averaging 27.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds during a perfect 3-0 week for the Suns. His performance culminated in a masterpiece against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he dropped 42 points, adding eight assists and six rebounds to his tally. This achievement marks the 33rd time in Durant’s career that he has received the Player of the Week award, tying him with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant for second-most in NBA history.

“I just try to compete every night and do whatever it takes for the team to win,” Durant remarked following his recognition. “We’ve been trying to find our rhythm, and it’s great to see our hard work pay off.”

The Suns’ recent success has them in contention for a Play-In Tournament position. They currently hold the 10th seed in the West with an overall record of 34-37, tied with the Dallas Mavericks but holding the tiebreaker. As they approach the end of the regular season, the Suns have an important matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night at PHX Arena.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference continues to be competitive, with White sharing the spotlight amongst other candidates nominated for the award, including teammates and players from various teams. The NBA’s recognition of top performers serves as a highlight of the league’s ongoing season, promoting individual excellence alongside team achievements.