Cavs' James, Hornets' Paul named Players of the Month

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2010 -- The Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James and the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors, respectively, for games played during January.

James topped the Eastern Conference in scoring (30.7 ppg), while placing second in assists (8.5 apg), fifth in steals (1.6 spg), and recording averages of 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. James led the Cavaliers to an NBA-best 12-3 record. On Jan. 10, James scored 31 of his 41 points in the first half of Cleveland's 106-94 win over Portland. James scored 20 or more points in 14 of the Cavaliers' 15 games and recorded 30 or more points nine times. This is the third Player of the Month award for James this season.

Paul paced the Western Conference in assists (11.9 apg) and steals (2.4 spg), and added 20.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, leading the Hornets to a 12-5 month. On Jan. 10, Paul recorded 26 points, 14 assists, three rebounds and three steals in a 115-110 win over Washington. Paul recorded nine games of 20 or more points, hit two game-winning shots (Jan. 6 at Oklahoma City; Jan. 25 at Portland), and tallied 11 double-doubles on the month.

Here is a closer look at the month for James and Paul:

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Jan. 10 @ Portland: Totaled 41 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a 106-94 win over the Trail Blazers.

Jan. 11 @ Golden State: Led Cleveland with 37 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, four blocks and two steals in a 117-114 win over the Warriors.

Jan. 19 vs. Toronto: Recorded 28 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals in a 108-100 win over the Raptors.

Jan. 29 @ Indiana: Posted 22 points, nine rebounds and season highs of 13 assists and four blocks and added two steals in a 94-73 win over the Pacers.

Jan. 31 vs. L.A. Clippers: Tallied 32 points and 11 assists in a 114-89 win over the Clippers.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

Jan. 2 vs. Houston: Recorded 28 points, nine assists and two steals in a 99-95 win over the Rockets.

Jan. 10 @ Washington: Scored 26 points, and added 14 assists and three steals in a 115-110 win over the Wizards.

Jan. 16 @ Indiana: Tallied 22 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, one block and two steals in a 101-96 win over the Pacers.

Jan. 25 @ Portland: Posted 24 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and five steals in a 98-97 win over the Trail Blazers.

Jan. 27 @ Golden State: Totaled 38 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals in a 123-110 win over the Warriors.

Other nominees for Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors were Boston's Rajon Rondo, Charlotte's Stephen Jackson, Chicago's Derrick Rose, Denver's Chauncey Billups, Memphis' Zach Randolph, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, Toronto's Chris Bosh, and Utah's Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.

The Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors are part of a series of on-court performance awards called "The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors." The series, currently in its third season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and includes four of the league's most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man Award, and Most Improved Player. Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and the all-new Sorento is the league's Official Vehicle.