Magic's own Dwight Howard was named the 2010-2011 NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Monday. Howard becomes the first player in league history to receive the award three consecutive seasons.
Leading the league with 66 double-doubles, second in rebounds and fourth in blocks, Howard won in a landslide. He received 114 first-place votes out of the 120 possible votes.
"It is a great honor," Howard said. "I want to thank God for having this opportunity to finish this season healthy."
Howard says knowing the other team's offensive scheme and plays is the key to being a good defensive player.
"It takes a lot of heart, you gotta want to be able to stop people and teams. It's very tough to play defense," Howard said.
Prior to his first Defensive Player of the Year honor, Howard credits former NBA player Dikembe Mutombo for his initial drive to get better on the defensive end.
Howard could be carrying another award soon; the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award. He is considered a top candidate for the award along with Chicago's Derrick Rose and Miami's LeBron James. That award is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
With the award, Howard and Kia Motors will donate a new vehicle to the BETA Center.
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