Stars
Magic's Howard headlines all-defensive team
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-05-06 09:59
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 Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) smiles in the second half against the Charlotte Bobcats during Game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series in Charlotte, North Carolina April 26, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
NEW YORK - Orlando Magic centre Dwight Howard, who became the first player to lead the league in rebounding and blocks in consecutive seasons, headlines the NBA all-defensive team, the league said on Wednesday.
Howard, the two-time NBA defensive player of the year, edged Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo as the team's top vote getter, receiving 57 points to Rondo's 50.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace completed the first team.
The voting was done by the NBA's 30 head coaches.
Howard averaged 13.2 rebounds and 2.78 blocks per game and became only the fifth player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding for at least three consecutive seasons.
With Howard anchoring the defense, the Magic allowed opponents 95.3 points per game, which ranked fourth in the NBA, and held the opposition to a league-low .438 shooting from the field.
Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs was named centre for the All-Defensive second team, marking his 13th consecutive season he was cited for his defensive skills.
Duncan was flanked by forwards Josh Smith of Atlanta and Anderson Varejao of Cleveland. Guards Dwyane Wade of Miami and Thabo Sefolosha of Oklahoma City completed the lineup.
