If the Oklahoma City Thunder played in the Eastern Conference, the club would be in fifth place. But, with a r
espectable26-21 record, the NBA’s newest franchise is tied for the last playoff spot in the tough West. The bulk of that success ought to be attributed to this week’s athlete, Kevin Durant. The third-year pro is having a most valuable player type of season, averaging 29.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, with a 48.8 field goal percentage. In his past three games, the Washington, D.C. native scored 28, 30, and 45 points and pulled down 11, 4, and 11 boards respectively. He led Oklahoma City to a couple victories, including an impressive 101-84 triumph over the 32-15 Denver Nuggets. Durant, 21, provides Thunder fans with a sound reason for optimism.



Dwyane Wade had a tremendous week. The Miami Heat’s superstar averaged 33.3 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He shot to a 49.3 field goal percentage and a 35.7 clip from behind the three-point line. The twenty-eight year old recorded three double-doubles in as many games and Heat victories. For the season, Wade is averaging 26.4 points per game, fifth in the National Basketball Association. He is also fifth in steals, 1.83 SPG. Wade was named the Eastern Conference player of the week.
"“I’m excited that for the first time this season I was able to earn Player of the Week honors,” he told Miami Heat.com, “but I’m more excited by the fact our team played well and captured three wins during the week.”