For the second straight year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has won the defensive player of the year. Howard became the youngest player to win the award back-to-back years. He also became the first player to lead the league in back-to-back seasons in block shots and rebounds.
Howard received 576 total points, including 110 first-place votes from a panel of 122 writers and broadcasters. Atlanta's Josh Smith was second with 136 points, and Charlotte's Gerald Wallace finished third with 113 points. Howard averaged 13.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this season, helping the Magic (59-23) to the league's second-best record behind Cleveland. Only Bill Walton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Ben Wallace each led the NBA in those categories once in the same season.
Dwight is less concerned with how many awards he wins, as he and Orlando try to win a championship, “"It means a lot, but there's just one trophy that we all want here," Howard said. “ Everybody in this city wants it, and it's on us. It starts with me blocking shots, rebounding and being a big defensive presence."
Game two of the Orlando and Charlotte series continues Wednesday night. The Magic won game one behind their home crowd in a 98-89 thrilling victory.
Magic point guard Jameer Nelson had a career playoff high 32 points. Nelson is trying to redeem himself after a poor playoff series last season against the Los Angeles Lakers.
"In the Finals, I wasn't myself," Nelson said. "Not making any excuses, I was out there, so I should have helped my team out a little better. But it feels great being able to help these guys, and not be out there in a suit cheering them on as much as I did last year."
Orlando has many weapons that they can utilize anytime during a series. Look for someone new each game to step up if one of the starters is having an off night.
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