NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2006 – The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and Houston Rockets’ Yao Ming today were named Eastern Conference and Western Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played from the start of the season (Oct. 31) through November.

Howard averaged 17.1 points on .576 shooting and a league-high 13.6 rebounds while leading the Magic to an Eastern Conference best 12-4 record. His current streak of seven consecutive double-doubles (points-rebounds) began on Nov. 18 when he recorded 24 points and 21 rebounds vs. Charlotte. He has recorded 11 double-doubles on the season, including three 20-point/20-rebounds outings.

Houston’s Yao Ming averaged 25.7 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting .544 from the field. Yao had a streak of 11 consecutive games of 20-points or more. He led the team in scoring on nine occasions as the Rockets were 8-1 in those contests.

Here is a recap of the month for Howard and Yao:

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

  • Nov. 1 vs. Chicago: Had 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks as the Magic defeated the Bulls 109-94.
  • Nov. 11 at Minnesota: Tallied 21 points and 22 rebounds in a 109-98 defeat of the Timberwolves.
  • Nov. 20 at Memphis: Posted 24 points and 23 rebounds in a 95-86 loss to the Grizzlies.
  • Nov. 27 at Utah: Scored 21 points while grabbing 16 rebounds in an 88-75 win over the Jazz.

    Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

  • Nov. 4 vs. Dallas: Tallied 36 points and six rebounds in a 107-76 win over the Mavericks.
  • Nov. 10 vs. New York: Had 35 points, 17 rebounds and seven blocks in a 103-94 defeated of the Knicks.
  • Nov. 12 at Miami: Posted 34 points and 14 rebounds in a 94-72 road win over the Heat.
  • Nov. 18 at Detroit: Scored 33 points while adding 16 rebounds and four assists as the Rockets fell to the Pistons, 104-92.

    Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month were Atlanta’s Joe Johnson, Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, Detroit’s Chauncey Billups, Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal, the Los Angeles Clippers Sam Cassell, Milwaukee’s Michael Redd, New Jersey’s Jason Kidd, Sacramento's Kevin Martin, Utah’s Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.