Howard will defend dunk crown

NEW YORK (AP) -- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will try to defend his Slam Dunk championship at the NBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix in February.

In New Orleans last season, Howard edged defending champion Gerald Green for the title in one of the most creative competitions in recent history. Howard scored perfect 50s on both of his first-round dunks -- one of which included his donning a cape for a "Superman" dunk.

Howard will face off against Memphis' Rudy Gay and 2006 winner Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks. A fan vote will pick the fourth competitor between Milwaukee's Joe Alexander, Portland's Rudy Fernandez, and Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook.

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