Howard best defensive player again

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard was named the NBA's defensive player of the year for the second straight season, the league said on Tuesday.

Howard averaged 13.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 82 regular season games, making him the first player to lead the league in both categories in consecutive years.

The 6-foot-11 four-time All-Star, nicknamed Superman, also led the NBA in field goal percentage (.612) while helping the Magic claim its third straight Southeast Division title.