San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan and Philadelphia 76ers guard Josh Richardson named Players of the Week

Gilbert McGregor

San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan and Philadelphia 76ers guard Josh Richardson named Players of the Week image

The NBA today announced the Players of the Week for games played from Jan. 6-12.

San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan was named Western Conference Player of the Week while Philadelphia 76ers guard Josh Richardson earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honours.

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This is the 11th time in DeRozan's 11-year career that he has earned Player of the Week honours and the first time he has won it as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Over the past week, the 30-year-old averaged 29.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists over four games, leading the Spurs to an impressive 3-1 record.

They were three impressive wins, too, as the Spurs defeated the Bucks at home before earning road victories over the Celtics and Raptors.

Most recently, DeRozan sparked a comeback victory over his former team, scoring 21 of his 25 points in the second half as San Antonio rallied from 18 down to earn a one-point win over Toronto.

MORE: DeRozan, Spurs earn thrilling win over Raptors

This upcoming week, the Spurs open on the road against the Heat before returning home to host the Hawks. 

They close the week with a rematch against the Heat on their home floor at the AT&T Center.


The 26-year-old Richardson earns Player of the Week honours for the first time in his five-year career after averaging 22.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds over three games.

Philadelphia went 2-1 in that span.

Richardson's most impressive performance came in a big win over the Celtics, as he finished with an efficient 29 points (on 9-for-16 shooting), seven assists and three rebounds. It was a big win for the Sixers, who were without All-Star big man Joel Embiid.

With the win over Boston, Philadelphia has won the season series outright, something that could prove to be major down the stretch of the season.

This week, the Sixers are in action four times: They open up in Indiana before returning home to host Brooklyn and Chicago. Philly closes the week at Madison Square Garden, as it faces the New York Knicks for the third time this season.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.