Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard has marveled from afar this season at the dominant and consistent success of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, winners of 13 straight games before Thursday’s shocking loss to Washington.
But Dwight isn’t just tuning in to Cavaliers games these days for a scouting report on the team that his Magic could very well face in the eastern Conference Finals in May. Dwight says the Cavs have become must-see TV as much for their pregame theatrics as their in-game success.
``LeBron’s had an unbelievable season and he has his team playing great basketball,’’ Dwight said. ``But I would say now, more so than even watching his team play, I like watching the pregame rituals that his team does. To me, that’s more exciting than the game. Every time they play I try to catch the beginning of the game to see what they are going to do.’’
Dwight will have an up-close view of Cleveland’s pregame antics tonight when the Magic and Cavs face off in a showdown of Eastern Conference titans. Both teams will be coming off stunning losses to nonplayoff teams. Orlando’s six-game winning streak ended Wednesday when it lost to Toronto, while the Cavs stubbed their toes Thursday against the hapless Wizards.
Clearly, the stars of the show tonight will be Dwight and LeBron. The two Olympians have become the face of the NBA what with their ability to dominate games two dramatically different ways. LeBron is the favorite to win the MVP because he has his team on top of the East and has posted near-triple-double numbers most of the season.
Dwight, meanwhile, should be the landslide winner of the Defensive Player of the Year. He is just a matter of games from becoming the fifth player ever to lead the league in rebounding and blocked shots in the same season. David Lee would have to average 20 rebounds a game down the stretch, and Chris Anderson would need five-plus blocks a night the rest of the way – and that’s only if Dwight doesn’t scratch in either category. Not going to happen.
Being a face of the NBA suits Dwight just fine, and he knows LeBron, his friend from the Olympics, is right there with him.&n bsp;
``Hopefully that’s the case. We both want to set a standard for how the game is played for years to come,’’ Dwight said. ``We’re both doing it from two different positions. We’re trying to do the best job we can for ourselves and our teams. He went to Cleveland, which was a struggling team before he got there and he brought some life back there. I’m trying to do the same, bring some life back to O-town.’’
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
YOU ASKED, DWIGHT ANSWERED
Here is our first installment of the ``Ask Dwight'' segment we will be running weekly to help bring fans closer to the Me.
Remember, if you have a question for Me, send it to questions@dwighthoward.com and I will pick and choose a few each week for the site.
Thanks everyone for visiting the website each day.
QUESTION: I’m Dwight ’s biggest fan in the world, and yes I am a girl. And no I don’t just like him because he’s cute, which he is. I like Dwight because he is very dominant in the game of basketball. My question to him would be how does it feel to be considered one of the most dominant men to play the sport. -- Andrea Byers
DWIGHT: It feels good that people consider me a dominant player, but I don’t consider myself that way because there are still so many things that I’m working on. I always say that word, `Dominate,’ to myself before games because I always want that thought in my mind. I want to go out and dominate every game that I play in.
QUESTION: Hey Dwight. My name Is Tony and I’m 15 years old, in second year of high school. I'm 5'11 and I have to play the 5 for the JV team at my school. My coach had high expectations for me at the beginning of the season but I didn't do what I was supposed to do. I kept drifting out to the 3-point line to take the long range shots because we h ad a 6'1 Power Forward who would shoot as soon as he got the ball. So I cleared the paint for him and waited for a kick out. Other times when i got the ball in the post, I didn't have a "go-to" move, I would either just do a hook shot or a mini-fade jumper. I would like to ask you for some advice on what moves I can use that are effective in the post and tips on offensive rebounding. – Tony Shi
DWIGHT: The biggest thing is working on getting a consistent shot off the glass. I did that a lot when I was growing up. I tried to get any shot I had off the square and I knew if I hit the right spot it would go in. I always worked on left-handed and right-handed hooks off the glass.
Watching a lot of film on big men who still play today like Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan helped me pick up little things, and kids coming up should do that because you can learn from those guys.
I’d say start off with learning basic moves like a drop step to the baseline, getting to the middle with hook shots and hitting a turn-around jump shot.
QUESTION: I am a die hard Magic fan from Orlando and a huge fan of yours as well. I am very high on this team and I’m sure you are too, but my question is, how do you feel about getting no respect from ESPN or any sports media? It’s almost like they count you out and you’re having one of the best seasons in Orlando Magic history and yet nobody seems to take notice nationally. Does it upset you or motivate you? Just want to let you know I have been going to games with my dad since I was a little kid and this year I have never been more proud the be an Orlando Magic fan. I believe in Magic. -- Matt Guidice,
DWIGHT: It does motivate me. I’ve never gotten respect from people growing up and that’s pushed me to try and be an even better player. It’s tough watching ESPN and all of the other stations and as a team we’re not getting any credit for the stuff that we’re doing. It motivates us and motivates us to be the best.
QUESTION: How do you guys learn to use Coach Van Gundy’s screaming as a motivator? Does it not bother you? Don’t you get sick of it? -- Omar DaShiki,
DWIGHT: Sometimes it’s motivating, but 90 percent of the time it does upset me. But he has a way of saying all of the right things. But when you are on the court, in the heat of battle, you don’t somebody getting on you. But that’s just the way it is with him.
QUESTION: Hey, D-12, I’m a big fan. I was just wondering what you consider to be your favorite verse in the Bible. – Unknown.
DWIGHT: I’ve got so many of them that really it’s so hard to choose. But I d have to say that it’s Philippians 4:13: For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
QUESTION: Hi. I just wondered what your favorite zoo animal is and why? Cheers, Drew. -- Drew
DWIGHT: Man, I haven’t been to the zoo since I was a little kid. C’mon man.
Remember, if you have a question for Me, send it to questions@dwighthoward.com and I will pick and choose a few each week for the site.
Thanks everyone for visiting the website each day.
QUESTION: I’m Dwight ’s biggest fan in the world, and yes I am a girl. And no I don’t just like him because he’s cute, which he is. I like Dwight because he is very dominant in the game of basketball. My question to him would be how does it feel to be considered one of the most dominant men to play the sport. -- Andrea Byers
DWIGHT: It feels good that people consider me a dominant player, but I don’t consider myself that way because there are still so many things that I’m working on. I always say that word, `Dominate,’ to myself before games because I always want that thought in my mind. I want to go out and dominate every game that I play in.
QUESTION: Hey Dwight. My name Is Tony and I’m 15 years old, in second year of high school. I'm 5'11 and I have to play the 5 for the JV team at my school. My coach had high expectations for me at the beginning of the season but I didn't do what I was supposed to do. I kept drifting out to the 3-point line to take the long range shots because we h ad a 6'1 Power Forward who would shoot as soon as he got the ball. So I cleared the paint for him and waited for a kick out. Other times when i got the ball in the post, I didn't have a "go-to" move, I would either just do a hook shot or a mini-fade jumper. I would like to ask you for some advice on what moves I can use that are effective in the post and tips on offensive rebounding. – Tony Shi
DWIGHT: The biggest thing is working on getting a consistent shot off the glass. I did that a lot when I was growing up. I tried to get any shot I had off the square and I knew if I hit the right spot it would go in. I always worked on left-handed and right-handed hooks off the glass.
Watching a lot of film on big men who still play today like Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan helped me pick up little things, and kids coming up should do that because you can learn from those guys.
I’d say start off with learning basic moves like a drop step to the baseline, getting to the middle with hook shots and hitting a turn-around jump shot.
QUESTION: I am a die hard Magic fan from Orlando and a huge fan of yours as well. I am very high on this team and I’m sure you are too, but my question is, how do you feel about getting no respect from ESPN or any sports media? It’s almost like they count you out and you’re having one of the best seasons in Orlando Magic history and yet nobody seems to take notice nationally. Does it upset you or motivate you? Just want to let you know I have been going to games with my dad since I was a little kid and this year I have never been more proud the be an Orlando Magic fan. I believe in Magic. -- Matt Guidice,
DWIGHT: It does motivate me. I’ve never gotten respect from people growing up and that’s pushed me to try and be an even better player. It’s tough watching ESPN and all of the other stations and as a team we’re not getting any credit for the stuff that we’re doing. It motivates us and motivates us to be the best.
QUESTION: How do you guys learn to use Coach Van Gundy’s screaming as a motivator? Does it not bother you? Don’t you get sick of it? -- Omar DaShiki,
DWIGHT: Sometimes it’s motivating, but 90 percent of the time it does upset me. But he has a way of saying all of the right things. But when you are on the court, in the heat of battle, you don’t somebody getting on you. But that’s just the way it is with him.
QUESTION: Hey, D-12, I’m a big fan. I was just wondering what you consider to be your favorite verse in the Bible. – Unknown.
DWIGHT: I’ve got so many of them that really it’s so hard to choose. But I d have to say that it’s Philippians 4:13: For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
QUESTION: Hi. I just wondered what your favorite zoo animal is and why? Cheers, Drew. -- Drew
DWIGHT: Man, I haven’t been to the zoo since I was a little kid. C’mon man.
DWIGHT SCORES 30, BUT BOSH GETS WIN
Dwight Howard’s face formed a frown, his shoulders slumped and he shook his head disgustedly late Wednesday night. And the emphasis for the upset feelings wasn’t even that his Orlando Magic lost 99-95 to the Toronto Raptors.
Instead, it was a pride issue that was bothering Dwight most.
``I’m heart-broken and now I’ve got to take my rival out to dinner,’’ Dwiught said, half-jokingly. ``That’s the deal, loser buys dinner. And I really was looking forward to saving my money.’’
The friendship between Dwight and Bosh goes all the way back to Atlanta when Dwight was a high school senior at Southwest Christian High School and Bosh was a freshman star at Georgia Tech.
Their bond has strengthened through the years as they have competed together for Team USA. The two worked out together, along with Carlos Boozer, during the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Dwight got the best of Bosh statistically on Wednesday, outscoring him 30 to 24. Bosh had more rebounds (12 to 9) and more blocked shots (three to one), but Dwight had three steals.
But Bosh did hit a dagger of a shot over Dwight with 23.6 seconds remaining to keep the Raptors up three points as Orlando drew close. Dwight was up on Bosh on the play, making him shoot over his outstretched arm.20Still, Bosh hit nothing but net.
``I was right in his face, but he just hit a tough shot,’’ Dwight said. ``There’s nothing more you can do about it. Had I laid back he probably made the three. But that was a contested shot and he still made it.’’
Bosh, who made 10 of 20 shots, admitted that that basket was his toughest of the night.
``I have to give credit to Dwight because he played good initial defense,’’ Bosh said. ``I knew I didn’t have much time and I had to get a shot up to the basket. I didn’t really know where I was on the court, but I had to get up a shot. It felt good as soon as it left my hand.’’
The loss ended the Magic’s six-game winning streak and dropped Orlando (55-19) a game back of Boston (57-19) in the race for the No. 2 seed. The Celtics rallied at the end of regulation and the first overtime and beat Charlotte in two OTs.
Dwight is hoping that Wednesday’s loss to Toronto will be a wake-up call for the Magic, especially with Cleveland coming to town for a nationally televised showdown on Friday.
``I don’t think it’s our focus as much as it is our energy. We didn’t come out with a lot of energy and Toronto did,’’ Dwight said. ``We’ve got to be consistent with our energy and effort. Cleveland is playing the best basketball of all the teams in the NBA, so we know what they are going to come in here with. We have to come out Friday with a better effort.’’
Instead, it was a pride issue that was bothering Dwight most.
``I’m heart-broken and now I’ve got to take my rival out to dinner,’’ Dwiught said, half-jokingly. ``That’s the deal, loser buys dinner. And I really was looking forward to saving my money.’’
The friendship between Dwight and Bosh goes all the way back to Atlanta when Dwight was a high school senior at Southwest Christian High School and Bosh was a freshman star at Georgia Tech.
Their bond has strengthened through the years as they have competed together for Team USA. The two worked out together, along with Carlos Boozer, during the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Dwight got the best of Bosh statistically on Wednesday, outscoring him 30 to 24. Bosh had more rebounds (12 to 9) and more blocked shots (three to one), but Dwight had three steals.
But Bosh did hit a dagger of a shot over Dwight with 23.6 seconds remaining to keep the Raptors up three points as Orlando drew close. Dwight was up on Bosh on the play, making him shoot over his outstretched arm.20Still, Bosh hit nothing but net.
``I was right in his face, but he just hit a tough shot,’’ Dwight said. ``There’s nothing more you can do about it. Had I laid back he probably made the three. But that was a contested shot and he still made it.’’
Bosh, who made 10 of 20 shots, admitted that that basket was his toughest of the night.
``I have to give credit to Dwight because he played good initial defense,’’ Bosh said. ``I knew I didn’t have much time and I had to get a shot up to the basket. I didn’t really know where I was on the court, but I had to get up a shot. It felt good as soon as it left my hand.’’
The loss ended the Magic’s six-game winning streak and dropped Orlando (55-19) a game back of Boston (57-19) in the race for the No. 2 seed. The Celtics rallied at the end of regulation and the first overtime and beat Charlotte in two OTs.
Dwight is hoping that Wednesday’s loss to Toronto will be a wake-up call for the Magic, especially with Cleveland coming to town for a nationally televised showdown on Friday.
``I don’t think it’s our focus as much as it is our energy. We didn’t come out with a lot of energy and Toronto did,’’ Dwight said. ``We’ve got to be consistent with our energy and effort. Cleveland is playing the best basketball of all the teams in the NBA, so we know what they are going to come in here with. We have to come out Friday with a better effort.’’
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
DWIGHT’S DOUBLE-DOUBLES HELP FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE
Orlando Magic franchise center Dwight Howard already answers to the nicknames ``Manchild’’ and ``Thunder,’’ but another accurate moniker for the three-time all-star might be ``The Daily Double.’’
He entered Wednesday night’s game against Toronto with 57 double-doubles this season, which ranks him second in the NBA. In his five-year NBA career, he has a whopping 278 double-doubles, including a NBA-high 69 last year. He also tied the Magic’s franchise record earlier this year with 18 consecutive double-doubles from Jan. 6-Feb. 17.
In the double-double vain, Dwight is working with Wrigley’s Do ublemint chewing gum to fight child abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Dwight spoke nationally with ESPN Radio Wednesday morning about his mission to prevent child abuse.
Doublemint gum is donating funds to PCA (Prevent Child Abuse) for every double-double Dwight registers this season.
During the month of April, NBA fans and fans of Dwight can step up and take part in the challenge on-line by making a donation for every double-double scored by any NBA player. Fans can go to: www.wrigleysdoubledouble.com to make their pledge.
Also, Dwight will appear at Finish Line at the Mall of Millenia on Thursday to donate $20,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Also, Dwight will reward 50 members of the Walt Disney World branch of the Boys and Girls Club (ages 13-17) a $100 gift card to Finish Line for new shoes.
Dwight won the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment award on Saturday for his devotion to making a difference in the Central Florida community. It is the third time in his five-year NBA career that he has won the award.
He entered Wednesday night’s game against Toronto with 57 double-doubles this season, which ranks him second in the NBA. In his five-year NBA career, he has a whopping 278 double-doubles, including a NBA-high 69 last year. He also tied the Magic’s franchise record earlier this year with 18 consecutive double-doubles from Jan. 6-Feb. 17.
In the double-double vain, Dwight is working with Wrigley’s Do ublemint chewing gum to fight child abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Dwight spoke nationally with ESPN Radio Wednesday morning about his mission to prevent child abuse.
Doublemint gum is donating funds to PCA (Prevent Child Abuse) for every double-double Dwight registers this season.
During the month of April, NBA fans and fans of Dwight can step up and take part in the challenge on-line by making a donation for every double-double scored by any NBA player. Fans can go to: www.wrigleysdoubledouble.com to make their pledge.
Also, Dwight will appear at Finish Line at the Mall of Millenia on Thursday to donate $20,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Also, Dwight will reward 50 members of the Walt Disney World branch of the Boys and Girls Club (ages 13-17) a $100 gift card to Finish Line for new shoes.
Dwight won the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment award on Saturday for his devotion to making a difference in the Central Florida community. It is the third time in his five-year NBA career that he has won the award.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
EMOTIONAL NIGHT FOR 'ZO
My coach, Patrick Ewing, has told me a lot of stories about Alonzo Mourning, and ‘Zo was one of the big men who helped when I was first coming into the league. He gave me advice on how to approach the game of basketball and life, and I’ve always admired the way he played the game.
Me and all of my teammates were talking before the game and I had to get out there at halftime to see if ‘Zo was going to cry. We all figured that ‘Zo was going to shed a few tears because he was always such an emotional player. He did cry, but it’s all good. He’s really led the way for a lot of young big men who have come after him. I appreciate everything he’s done for me and for the game of basketball.
Watching the event at halftime, I was even getting a little bit teary-eyed, just seeing how emotional it was. It was a special night for him and I was happy that we were there to witness it.
Seeing that No. 33 go up in the rafters, made me think about my own career. Hopefully, one day after a long Magic career I’ll have my jersey retired, too. It’s a long way off and it’s just a dream, but that has to be the coolest feeling ever. I can see it now, No. 12 going up as the fans cheer. How cool would that be?
I got my 5,000th rebound Monday night, and I give credit for that to God for keeping me healthy throughout my five-year NBA career. It’s an honor that I’ve been able to accomplish what I have.
The most important thing of the night was that we beat Miami again and stayed ahead of the Celtics. We feel lie we’re going to have to win the rest of our games if we want to get that No. 2 seed and also get our goal of 60 win s. I think we can do it, but we’ve got a tough grind ahead of us.
OK, I’m out. Take care everybody. -- DWIGHT
Me and all of my teammates were talking before the game and I had to get out there at halftime to see if ‘Zo was going to cry. We all figured that ‘Zo was going to shed a few tears because he was always such an emotional player. He did cry, but it’s all good. He’s really led the way for a lot of young big men who have come after him. I appreciate everything he’s done for me and for the game of basketball.
Watching the event at halftime, I was even getting a little bit teary-eyed, just seeing how emotional it was. It was a special night for him and I was happy that we were there to witness it.
Seeing that No. 33 go up in the rafters, made me think about my own career. Hopefully, one day after a long Magic career I’ll have my jersey retired, too. It’s a long way off and it’s just a dream, but that has to be the coolest feeling ever. I can see it now, No. 12 going up as the fans cheer. How cool would that be?
I got my 5,000th rebound Monday night, and I give credit for that to God for keeping me healthy throughout my five-year NBA career. It’s an honor that I’ve been able to accomplish what I have.
The most important thing of the night was that we beat Miami again and stayed ahead of the Celtics. We feel lie we’re going to have to win the rest of our games if we want to get that No. 2 seed and also get our goal of 60 win s. I think we can do it, but we’ve got a tough grind ahead of us.
OK, I’m out. Take care everybody. -- DWIGHT
DWIGHT FASTEST TO 5,000 REBOUNDS IN HISTORY IN MAGIC WIN
Orlando franchise center Dwight Howard made NBA history Monday night when he became the youngest player ever to grab 5,000 rebounds in a career in the Magic’s 101-95 defeat of the Miami Heat.
Dwight’s 5,000th rebound was a thing of beauty as he swooped inside of Miami’s Jamaal Magloire, elevated and snatched a rebound away from the reserve Heat center with 2:55 left in the third quarter. By the end of Monday’s game, Dwight had 5,006 career rebounds.
Dwight hit the 5,000-board milestone at 23 years, 112 days. He eclipsed the previous record of 25 years, 128 days set by the immortal Wilt Chamberlain. Dave Cowens (25, 153), Walt Bellamy (25, 197), Moses Malone (25, 265) and Kevin Garnett (25, 296) were also among the youngest to 5,000 rebounds in NBA history.
The feat is nothing new to Dwight, who was already the youngest in league history to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 rebounds. Clearly, the Magic’s all-star center is on a path to greatness and at this rate will go down someday as one of the game’s best centers ever.
``Thank God, first, to be able to play without any major injuries in my career,’’ Dwight said. ``So it’s an honor for me.’’
Dwight dominated all phases of Monday’s game, scoring 22 points, grabbing 18 rebounds and delivering a key blocked shot as the Magic overcame Dwyane Wade’s 42 points.
With Dwight patrolling the paint, the Orlando-Miami series has become mostly one-sided. The Magic have won 12 of the past 13 games against the Heat, losi ng only this January in Miami. Of course, Dwight has been a major part of the reason for Orlando’s domination of its rivals to the South. He’s had 12 straight double-doubles against the Heat.
But on this night Dwight was more worried about the Boston Celtics than the Miami Heat. The Magic hold a slim lead over the Celtics in the race for the elusive No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have an impressive six-game winning streak after stopping Miami’s six-game home winning streak.
``We have to come out every night and grind it out. We want to try and win the rest of the games for the season,’’ Dwight said. ``We have a hard task in front of us. Miami had been playing great at home so to come in here and win it feels great.’’
On a night when Dwight made rebounding history and battered Jermaine O’Neal and Magloire with a bevy of nice moves in the paint, it was a stout defensive stop that was the highlight of the night for Dwight. And it showed once again why he should be the runaway winner of the Defensive Player of the Year.
Tied at 87-all with 3:47 to play, Miami point guard Mario Chalmers drove down the right side of the lane and put up a layup try. Silly, rookie. Dwight stuffed the shot with two hands, igniting a Magic fastbreak that led to Courtney Lee’s go-ahead layup. It was the play that set the Magic on their way to their 55th victory.
For the game, Dwight made eight of 11 shots and six of nine free throws. He had a spin-lob dunk from Hedo Turkoglu, but his two prettiest moves of the night came in the fourth quarter. On one possession, Dwight drove to the middle of the lane, faked left and went back right for a soft layup off the glass.
And with 50 seconds to play and the Magic clinging to a three-point lead, Dwight corralled a lob pass from Turk and finished over O’Neal in traffic to ice the victory.
Dwight’s 5,000th rebound was a thing of beauty as he swooped inside of Miami’s Jamaal Magloire, elevated and snatched a rebound away from the reserve Heat center with 2:55 left in the third quarter. By the end of Monday’s game, Dwight had 5,006 career rebounds.
Dwight hit the 5,000-board milestone at 23 years, 112 days. He eclipsed the previous record of 25 years, 128 days set by the immortal Wilt Chamberlain. Dave Cowens (25, 153), Walt Bellamy (25, 197), Moses Malone (25, 265) and Kevin Garnett (25, 296) were also among the youngest to 5,000 rebounds in NBA history.
The feat is nothing new to Dwight, who was already the youngest in league history to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 rebounds. Clearly, the Magic’s all-star center is on a path to greatness and at this rate will go down someday as one of the game’s best centers ever.
``Thank God, first, to be able to play without any major injuries in my career,’’ Dwight said. ``So it’s an honor for me.’’
Dwight dominated all phases of Monday’s game, scoring 22 points, grabbing 18 rebounds and delivering a key blocked shot as the Magic overcame Dwyane Wade’s 42 points.
With Dwight patrolling the paint, the Orlando-Miami series has become mostly one-sided. The Magic have won 12 of the past 13 games against the Heat, losi ng only this January in Miami. Of course, Dwight has been a major part of the reason for Orlando’s domination of its rivals to the South. He’s had 12 straight double-doubles against the Heat.
But on this night Dwight was more worried about the Boston Celtics than the Miami Heat. The Magic hold a slim lead over the Celtics in the race for the elusive No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have an impressive six-game winning streak after stopping Miami’s six-game home winning streak.
``We have to come out every night and grind it out. We want to try and win the rest of the games for the season,’’ Dwight said. ``We have a hard task in front of us. Miami had been playing great at home so to come in here and win it feels great.’’
On a night when Dwight made rebounding history and battered Jermaine O’Neal and Magloire with a bevy of nice moves in the paint, it was a stout defensive stop that was the highlight of the night for Dwight. And it showed once again why he should be the runaway winner of the Defensive Player of the Year.
Tied at 87-all with 3:47 to play, Miami point guard Mario Chalmers drove down the right side of the lane and put up a layup try. Silly, rookie. Dwight stuffed the shot with two hands, igniting a Magic fastbreak that led to Courtney Lee’s go-ahead layup. It was the play that set the Magic on their way to their 55th victory.
For the game, Dwight made eight of 11 shots and six of nine free throws. He had a spin-lob dunk from Hedo Turkoglu, but his two prettiest moves of the night came in the fourth quarter. On one possession, Dwight drove to the middle of the lane, faked left and went back right for a soft layup off the glass.
And with 50 seconds to play and the Magic clinging to a three-point lead, Dwight corralled a lob pass from Turk and finished over O’Neal in traffic to ice the victory.
Monday, March 30, 2009
DWIGHT NAMED EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard strengthened his bid for the MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year awards when he was named the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday.
It is the third time this season that Dwight has earned that honor.
Dwight led Orlando to a 3-0 record last week, averaging 23.7 points on 61.4 percent shooting from the field. He added 14.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for the Magic, who clinched its second consecutive Southeast Division title.
During Orl ando’s 84-82 win over Boston on March 25, Dwight posted 24 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks. He saved the win against the Celtics by swatting Paul Pierce’s layup attempt with three seconds remaining.
Dwight also had 29 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in a 106-102 win over the Knicks last Monday. And he capped last week with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks as the Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 110-94.
Dwight leads the Magic in scoring (21.0) and leads the NBA in rebounding (13.9) and blocked shots (2.99). He is attempting to become just the fifth center ever to lead the NBA in those two categories in the same season.
San Antonio point guard Tony Parker was named the Western Conference’s Player of the Week. Parker averaged 27.5 points and 8.3 assists in leading San Antonio to a 3-1 week. Parker recorded back-to-back 30-point, 10-assist games on March 24 vs. Golden State and March 25 at Atlanta. On March 29 at New Orleans, Parker scored his 10,000th career point, becoming the fourth Spur player to accomplish the feat.
It is the third time this season that Dwight has earned that honor.
Dwight led Orlando to a 3-0 record last week, averaging 23.7 points on 61.4 percent shooting from the field. He added 14.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for the Magic, who clinched its second consecutive Southeast Division title.
During Orl ando’s 84-82 win over Boston on March 25, Dwight posted 24 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks. He saved the win against the Celtics by swatting Paul Pierce’s layup attempt with three seconds remaining.
Dwight also had 29 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in a 106-102 win over the Knicks last Monday. And he capped last week with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks as the Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 110-94.
Dwight leads the Magic in scoring (21.0) and leads the NBA in rebounding (13.9) and blocked shots (2.99). He is attempting to become just the fifth center ever to lead the NBA in those two categories in the same season.
San Antonio point guard Tony Parker was named the Western Conference’s Player of the Week. Parker averaged 27.5 points and 8.3 assists in leading San Antonio to a 3-1 week. Parker recorded back-to-back 30-point, 10-assist games on March 24 vs. Golden State and March 25 at Atlanta. On March 29 at New Orleans, Parker scored his 10,000th career point, becoming the fourth Spur player to accomplish the feat.
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