lebron james

Miami Heat forward LeBron James, winner of the 2011-12 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award, headlines the NBA All-Defensive First Team, the NBA announced today. James totaled 53 points overall, including 24 First Team votes. He was the lone player to top 50 points. Joining James on the NBA All-Defensive First Team are forward Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder (47 points), guards Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (35 points) and Tony Allen of the Memphis Grizzlies (33 points), and center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic (41 points). Ibaka and Allen earn First Team honors for the first time; Allen was an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection last season. James led the Heat to a 46-20 mark and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. He paced the Heat in steals (1.9 spg) and defensive rebounds (6.4 drpg), and tied for the team lead in rebounds (7.9 rpg). With James leading the effort, Miami's defense tied for fourth in opponent scoring (91.3 ppg), and ranked third in forced turnovers (16.6) and fifth in opponent field goal percentage (.434). Ibaka paced the league in blocks (3.65 bpg) while Paul led in steals (2.53 spg). Howard was the league's leading rebounder (14.5 rpg) as well as its top defensive rebounder (10.8 drpg). The Grizzlies allowed 96.0 points per 100 possessions with Allen on the court compared to 101.7 points per 100 possessions with him off. The NBA All-Defensive Second Team consists of guards Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, center Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks, and forwards Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls and Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics. The voting panel consisted of the NBA's 30 head coaches, who were asked to select NBA All-Defensive First and Second Teams by position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. Two points were awarded for a First Team vote and one point was awarded for a Second Team vote. Attached are the results for the 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Teams balloting. The balloting was tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP. 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive First Team PositionPlayer (Team)1st2ndPoints ForwardLeBron James (Heat)24553 ForwardSerge Ibaka (Thunder)20747 CenterDwight Howard (Magic)16941 GuardChris Paul (Clippers)13935 GuardTony Allen (Grizzlies)13733 2011-12 NBA All-Defensive Second Team PositionPlayer (Team)1st2ndPoints ForwardKevin Garnett (Celtics)81026 ForwardLuol Deng (Bulls)6820 CenterTyson Chandler (Knicks)131036 GuardRajon Rondo (Celtics)91129 GuardKobe Bryant (Lakers)7317 Other players receiving votes, with point totals (First Team votes in parentheses): Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 19 (4); Joakim Noah, Chicago, 14; Iman Shumpert, New York, 13 (4); Paul George, Indiana, 10 (2); Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City, 9 (2); Josh Smith, Atlanta, 8 (2); Dwyane Wade, Miami, 5 (1); Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City, 5 (1); Grant Hill, Phoenix, 5 (1); Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 5 (1); Avery Bradley, Boston, 3 (1); Marc Gasol, Memphis, 3 (1); Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers, 3; Shawn Marion, Dallas, 3; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 2, (1); Mike Conley, Memphis, 2; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 1; Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia, 1; Carlos Boozer, Chicago, 1; Luc Mbah a Moute, Milwaukee, 1. SEARCH NEWS FEATURES Playoffs At A Glance Hang Time Blog 2012 NBA Draft Social Spotlight Dunk Ladder HEADLINES Heat's Haslem suspended for Game 6 for flagrant foul Pacers, Heat respond to Bird's 'soft' comment Lakers will debate overhaul after playoff exit Heat's James top vote-getter among All-Defensive Team picks Parker, Spurs ready to go right at Westbrook LATEST VIDEOS Postgame: Elton Brand Elton Brand feels the momentum changed in the pivotal third quarter when the Sixers regained the lead. Sixers/Celtics Game 7 Preview The GameTime crew preview the Game 7 matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. Iverson on GameTime Allen Iverson joins the GameTime crew via telephone after attending Game 6 between the Celtics and Sixers. Postgame: Doug Collins Doug Collins says he is so proud of his team for playing, smart, playing tough defense and forcing a Game 7. Arena Link: Elton Brand Sixers' forward Elton Brand joins GameTime after Philly forces Game 7 against the Celtics. Shop for NBA Gear Now! Source www.nba.com