Durant Named Western Conference Player Of The Month

News9.com

NEW YORK – Kevin Durant and LeBron James are developing a bit of a trend.

The two went right at each other in last weekend's All-Star game, competing for supremacy and a win.

They are widely considered to be the top (and only two) candidates for this year's MVP award.

And the NBA's February awards are representative of that.

Durant was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for his role in helping the Thunder to a 12-3 February. He scored 30-plus points seven times in the month, including a career-high 51 in a win against the Nuggets.

Durant was also named MVP of the All-Star Game in Orlando thanks to his 36-point performance.

James captured his second consecutive Player of the Month award, leading Miami to an 11-2 record in February.

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

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Feb. 3 vs. Memphis: Posted 36 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a 101-94 win over the Grizzlies.

Feb. 7 @ Golden State: Recorded a double-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds and tied a season-high with seven assists in a 119-116 win over the Warriors.

Feb. 19 vs. Denver: Tallied a career-high 51 points and added eight rebounds in a 124-118 victory over the Nuggets.

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Feb. 1 @ Milwaukee: Scored a season-high 40 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists in 105-97 loss to the Bucks

Feb. 12 @ Atlanta: Registered 23 points and tied a season-high with 13 rebounds in a 107-87 win over the Hawks.

Feb. 23 vs. New York: Collected 20 points and added nine rebounds, eight assists and tied a season-high with five steals in a 102-88 win over the Knicks.