Magic's Howard picks up third defensive POY
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Dwight Howard |
Dwight Howard has another piece of hardware for his personal trophy case.
The Orlando Magic center became the first player in league history to win defensive player of the year for three consecutive seasons. Howard led the league in double doubles and also averaged 14.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and a career-high 1.3 steals this season.
Howard received 114 of a total of 120 first-place votes and accumulated 585 points.
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett finished second with one first-place vote and 77 points while Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler was third with 20 second-place votes and 70 points.
Only Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, with four each, have now won the award more times.
"I try to do the best I can on the defensive end. To dominate, change the game," Howard said at a press conference at the Magic's team facility. "That's not blocking shots but just being a presence on the defensive end. Making sure I'm here for my teammates, being active, talking with them. It definitely is an honor to be considered one of the best defensive players to play the game.
"I'm still young so hopefully I can keep it up."
The 6-foot-11 Howard ranked second in the NBA at 14.1 rebounds per game and fourth in blocks with 2.38. He also was the defensive anchor of a team that was ranked fourth in the regular season, giving up 93.7 points per game to opponents.
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