Howard breaks NBA All-Star voting record

Howard breaks NBA All-Star voting record

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard reacts after being fouled by the Boston Celtics during first-quarter NBA basketball action in Orlando, Florida January 22, 2009.

BEIJING, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- "When I first heard about leading the votes, I was shocked, to be honest with you. I really didn't expect it, considering you've got Kobe, LeBron and Dwyane Wade, " said Dwight Howard Friday.

He collared 3.15 million ballots, ranking No. 1 in NBA All-Star Game voting, far exceeding Houston Rockets' Yao Ming previous record of 2.56 million in 2005.

"Wow, what a blessing! That is what I took it as, a blessing from God and then the fans. It's just a great honor and I was surprised, but like always I thank the fans for everything they have done for us," he added.

Dressing in a Superman cape to gain a resounding victory in the Slam Dunk Contest, Howard stole the spotlight in New Orleans. He'll target to defend this title in Phoenix, the night before the All-Star showcase.

The top five vote-getters gain the highest totals than ever before, namely, forward LeBron James (2,940,823) of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guards Kobe Bryant (2,805,397) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade (2,741,413) of the Miami Heat and forward Tim Duncan (2,578,168) of the San Antonio Spurs. At center, Yao Ming got 2,532,958 votes and he will start for the sixth time.

Vote-getter Top 10 for NBA All-Star Game:

1. Dwight Howard , 3150181 ballots, in 2009

2. LeBron James, 2940823 ballots, in 2009

3. Kobe Bryant, 2805397 ballots, in 2009

4. Dwyane Wade, 2741413 ballots, in 2009

5. Tim Duncan, 2578168 ballots, in 2009

6. Yao Ming, 2558278 ballots, in 2005

7. Yao Ming, 2532958 ballots, in 2009

8. LeBron James, 2516049 ballots, in 2007

9. Yao Ming, 2451718 ballots, in 2007

10. Michael Jordan, 2451136 ballots, in 1977


Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James drives the lane while playing the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Chicago Jan. 15, 2009.


Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots a layup from under the basket against Houston Rockets guards Von Wafer (L) and Carl Landry (3rd L) during their NBA basketball game in Houston Jan. 13, 2009.


Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade (L) gets past the defense of Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant during third quarter NBA basketball action in Miami Dec.19, 2008.


San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan (21) shoots over Charlotte Bobcats Emeka Okafor (50) during an NBA basketball game at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina Jan.19, 2009.


Houston Rockets center Yao Ming (L) of China moves to the basket defended by Indiana Pacers forward Troy Murphy during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Indianapolis Jan. 23, 2009.

Michael Jordan

Agencies