Howard Wins DPOY Ahead Of Garnett

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the recipient of the 2010-11 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, the NBA announced today. Howard becomes the first player to earn the honor three straight seasons; only Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, with four each, have won the award more times.

The 6-11 center led the league with 66 double-doubles, including six 20-point/20-rebound efforts, while ranking second in rebounds (14.1 rpg) and fourth in blocks (2.38 bpg). With Howard manning the middle, the Magic allowed 93.5 ppg, ranking fourth in that category.

Kevin Garnett finished second with 77 points ahead of Tyson Chandler with 70, Tony Allen with 53 and Rajon Rondo with 45.

Garnett, Grant Hill, Chuck Hayes, Joakim Noah and Keith Bogans all received at least one first place vote.