Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming was named NBA's Western Conference Player of the Week. He becomes the first Rockets player this season to win this distinction.

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.

The Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas earned the Eastern Conference honor. Arenas averaged 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.

Here is a closer look at the week for Yao:

Feb. 22 vs. L.A. Clippers: Scored 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, while adding 15 rebounds and two blocks in a 106-102 win over the Clippers.

Feb. 24 vs. Golden State: Posted 22 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Rockets past the Warriors 91-88.

Feb. 26 at Orlando: Had 29 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 89-84 road win over the Magic.

(CRI English?February 28, 2006)