Originally published Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 12:00 AM

NBA | Kevin Garnett named league's top defender

When Kevin Garnett starts screaming, the Celtics' defense stops struggling. For all his assets — athleticism, intensity, intelligence...

By The Associated Press

WALTHAM, Mass. — When Kevin Garnett starts screaming, the Celtics' defense stops struggling.

For all his assets — athleticism, intensity, intelligence — it's the ability to communicate with teammates that he considers the key to Boston's skill at shutting down opponents.

"I talk. I understand how defense works," he said after being selected the NBA defensive player of the year Tuesday. "Communication's probably the biggest thing when it comes to defense."

An outstanding defender throughout his previous 12 seasons, all with Minnesota, Garnett won the league award for the first time by a wide margin one day before Boston takes a 1-0 lead into Game 2 of its first-round series against Atlanta.

He had 90 of the 124 first-place votes and a total of 493 points. Marcus Camby of Denver, last year's winner, was second with 12 first and 178 points, just edging Shane Battier of Houston, who received 11 first-place votes and 175 points.

"Any award you're able to acquire in this league is a big deal," said Garnett.

The Celtics held opponents to a league-low 41.9 field-goal percentage after allowing them to hit 46.8 percent last season. And they allowed 90.3 points per game, second fewest in the league, after giving up 99.2 last year.

Note

• Washington Wizards C Brendan Haywood will not be suspended for his flagrant foul on F LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Haywood pushed James with both hands while the Cavalier was airborne during a layup attempt in the third quarter of Cleveland's Game 2 victory. Haywood, who made no attempt to go for the ball, was assessed a flagrant foul and ejected from the game.

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