Howard, Paul earn monthly honors

Jan 2, 2008 - 8:00 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul were named the NBA's Player of the Month for December on Wednesday.

It marked the second straight monthly award for Howard, who captured the Eastern Conference honor after averaged 21.7 points and a league-best 16.1 rebounds. Howard collected 14 double-doubles in December, helping the Magic to an 8-7 record.

Led by Howard, the Magic (22-11) hold a 4 1/2-game lead over the Atlanta Hawks in the Southeast Division.

Paul took the Western Conference award after averaging 24.5 points, 10.4 assists and a league-best 3.0 steals. His big month included two 40-plus point games and three contests with at least 15 assists.

Thanks to Paul's strong play, the Hornets (20-11) are just two games behind the first-place San Antonio Spurs in the Southwest Division.