NBA – Howard scoops third straight Defensive Player of Year award (video)

ORLANDO (NBA) - Team USA's Dwight Howard has underlined his status as one of the best players in the world by being named as the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year for a record third straight time.

With the 25-year-old in the middle, the Magic allowed an average of 93.5 points per contest this season.

"It's a great accomplishment," Howard said. "It's a blessing. It's an honor.

“And I just thank God for this opportunity and just for blessing me with the ability to be able to get stops on the defensive end, block shots, rebound, just do a lot of things and also have this award.”

NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo never won the award three consecutive times.

"Three times in a row is history,” Howard added. "I never really thought about it like that until I saw the awards, but I just want to keep it going."

The Orlando Magic center led the league with 66 double-doubles, including six 20-point/20-rebound efforts.

He  ranked second in rebounds (14.1 per game) and fourth in blocks (2.38).

What makes the award even more impressive is that Orlando traded reserve center Marcin Gortat of Poland to Phoenix and therefore do not have anyone backing up Howard, which means he has to avoid foul trouble at the same time while being his team’s most intimidating presence

Orlando trail the Atlanta Hawks 1-0 in their Eastern Conference playoff series, despite Howard pouring in 46 points and grabbing 19 boards in the opener.

Howard did contribute to his team's downfall, however, with a game-high eight turnovers.

He will contend for a spot in the USA roster when they go after a second straight Olympic gold medal at next year’s London Games.

Check out Dwight Howard's top 10 plays of the season

 

 

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