Knicks' Chandler named tops on defensive

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NEW YORK, May 2 (UPI) -- New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler Wednesday was named the 2011-12 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, edging Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka.

Chandler garnered 45 first-place votes to 41 for Ibaka, moving up from his third-place finish in last year's voting for the defensive honor.

Orlando's Dwight Howard saw his three-year winning streak for the award snapped, ending up third in this year's voting, while Miami's LeBron James ended fourth.

Chandler came to New York from the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks on a three-year deal in the off-season and has been credited with helping the Knicks make the playoffs.

He contributed 1.4 blocks and 9.9 rebounds per game over 62 contests in the lockout-shortened regular season.

New York on Wednesday faced an 0-2 deficit in its best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Heat.