yao - player of week honors

center yao ming of the houston rockets was named the nba's western conference player of the week.

yao averaged 26.7 points on 53 percent shooting and 15.7 rebounds to lead the rockets to victories against the clippers, warriors and magic last week.

yao had 29 points and 11 rebounds against the clippers on wednesday and followed with 22 and 11 against the warriors two nights later. on sunday, yao had 29 points and 11 boards against the magic.

gilbert arenas celebrated his second all-star game appearance this month. now he can celebrate his second straight player of the week award.

arenas earned the eastern conference honor after averaging 35.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 steals in washington's three wins after the all-star break. he shot 58 percent from the field and 57 percent from 3-point range.

arenas scored 34 against minnesota on tuesday, followed up with 26 points and nine assists friday against cleveland and then scored 46 -- two off his career high -- despite sitting out the fourth quarter in a rout of new york on saturday.