Yao Ming was named on Monday by the NBA as Western Conference Player of the Week. [Reuters]

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was named on Monday by the NBA as Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, Mar. 26 through Sunday, Apr. 1.

It marks the second time this season and the fifth time in his career to earn Player of the Week (week ending: 3/7/04, 2/26/06, 4/2/06, 11/12/06, 4/1/07).

Yao (7-6, 310, China), who was also named West Player of the Week for games played Nov. 6-12, averaged 30.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.25 blocks in leading Houston to a 3-1 week.

Yao posted three straight double-doubles to close the week, including consecutive games of 35 or more points against the Lakers and Jazz.

Yao's week was highlighted with a season-high 39 points on 11-of-18 shooting and 17-of-21 free throws in a 107-104 overtime win at the Lakers (3/30/07). The Rockets are now 11-5 since Yao's return from injury