Dwight Howard was named the NBA’s defensive player of the year Monday, making the dominant Orlando Magic center the first player to win the award in three consecutive seasons.
Howard led the league this season with 789 defensive rebounds and averaged 14.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals in 78 games with the Magic.
“I could have just stopped after winning one award, but I want our team to be successful and I know it starts with me and it starts on the defensive end,” Howard said.
