March 2, 2011
Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard was named the Kia NBA Eastern conference Player of the Month for games played during February. It marks the sixth time of his career and the second time this season that Howard has earned the league's top monthly honor (November 2006, April 2006, November 2007, December 2007, October/November 2010).
Howard led the Eastern Conference in rebounds per game (14.8 rpg.) and field goal percentage (.667) and ranked second in points per game (26.6 ppg.) throughout the month of February. Howard also averaged 1.2 assists per game, 1.36 steals per game and 2.00 blocks per contest while leading the Magic in scoring and rebounding in 10 of 11 games (7-4 team record). He recorded a double-double in every game during February, pulled in at least 15 rebounds in seven of 11 games and had three games with at least 30 points and 15 boards.
Howard’s month was highlighted by his performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 25, in which he tallied 40 points (tying a season-high), 15 rebounds and blocked six shots. Prior to Howard’s effort against the Thunder, the last player to finish with at least 40, 15 and 6 was Dwight Howard on February 17, 2009 (45, 19, 8 vs. Charlotte), while the last player other than Howard to record those numbers was Shaquille O’Neal on November 19, 1999 (41, 17, 7 vs. Chicago). Howard also became only the sixth player in NBA history to have more than one game of 40 points, 15 rebounds and at least six blocked shots since the 1973-74 season; the others to do it were Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Patrick Ewing, Bob Lanier, Bob McAdoo and Larry Nance.
Here is a recap of the month for Howard:
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Feb. 8 vs. L.A. Clippers: Registered his fifth 20/20 of the season with 22 points to go along with 20 rebounds in a 101-85 victory over the Clippers.
Feb. 9 @ Philadelphia: Recorded 30 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in a 99-95 win over the 76ers.
Feb. 13 vs. L.A. Lakers: Tallied 31 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in an 89-75 victory over the Lakers.
Feb. 25 vs. Oklahoma City: Compiled a season-high-tying 40 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks to defeat the Thunder, 111-88.
The Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month are part of a series of on-court performance awards called “The Kia NBA Performance Awards.” The series, currently in its fourth season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and includes four of the league’s most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man Award, and Most Improved Player. Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and the all-new Kia Optima is the league’s Official Vehicle. For more information on the “The Kia NBA Performance Awards” visit www.NBA.com/awards.