Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki of Germany (left) sticks out his tongue as he drives towards the basket against Memphis Grizzlies' Hakim Warrick during the fourth quarter of NBA play in Memphis, Tennessee, November 17, 2006. [Reuters]

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (23) takes to the air as he drives the lane past Antawn Jamison of the Washington Wizards (4) during the second half of their NBA game in Washington November 18, 2006. [Reuters]

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki were selected as the NBA's top players for the week ending November 19.

James earned the Eastern Conference award after averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds to help the Cavaliers win three of their four games last week. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and led or tied for the team lead in scoring during all four games.

The highlight of James' week came on November 17 when he notched 37 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a 92-76 victory over Minnesota.

Nowitzki averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds to capture the Western Conference honor. He registered a double-double in all three games to help the Mavericks to a 3-0 record.

Other nominees for the award included Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Detroit's Richard Hamilton, Peja Stojakovic of New Orleans/Oklahoma City, Orlando's Dwight Howard, Portland's Zach Randolph and Utah's Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.