Happy New Year! As before, let’s take a look back at the month in review…

Eastern Conference Player of the Month – Dwight Howard. This guy is a defensive machine. Not only is he leading the league in rebounds and blocks, check this: over the December, he averaged 14.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks a game. His defensive play has carried the Magic to a solid 9-4 record in the month of December. I might get some flack for this pick , but remember what your high school coach taught you – “offense wins games, defense wins championships.”

Honorable Mention -LeBron. He’s had a bunch of breakout performances, including a landmark blowout win of the Lakers on Christmas Day. It is good to see him dishing the ball and getting his teamates involved (7.8 assists per game).

Western Conference Player of the Month - Kobe. Continues to pull stuff out of a hat. His shot (see Buzzer Beater award) over D-Wade was incredible. Still, there is no other person in the league I’m giving the ball to when the game is on the line. Currently leading the league in scoring at 30.4 PPG. Let’s hope the broken finger / strained elbow he’s suffering from won’t hamper him down the stretch.

Honorable Mention - Kevin Durant. I’ve been enjoying watching him play and develop into one of the elite stars in the game today. An NBAtoday.net staff favorite, he managed to score 30+ points ten times in December and finished the month on a 6 game winning streak. Let’s hope the Thunder(cats) can keep up the pace.

Rookie of the Month - Tyreke Evans. And will continue to be so long as he continues to dominate. Rest up, Kevin Martin, Tyreke will take car of things while you are gone. This kid seriously has the talent to become the next Kobe/LeBron/D-Wade.

Sixth Man of the Month - Jared Dudley. Coming off the bench this month, he shot 29/52 from the arc. That’s and incredible 57% from three. Despite a slow start, came up BIG in games against the Lakers (19 points, 3/4 3PM/A) and the Magic (19 points, 4/8 3PM/A). True definition of a player who provides a BOOST off the bench.

Team of the Month - Cleveland Cavaliers – A team that has Shaq playing like he’s 25 , LeBron playing like he’s Jordan, and a cast of players finally pulling it all together. 14-3 during the month of December, and if they can stay healthy, it could be smooth sailing deep into the playoffs.

Honorable Mention -Los Angeles Lakers – Similar records, but got blown out at home on Christmas by…the Cavaliers.

Buzzer Beater of the Month -Kobe’s shot over D-Wade. This, honestly, was a work of art. My words don’t do this justice. Watch

And now, my favorite things…the HRBL and INCRBL! awards…

HRBL Award – Prior to winning against the Knicks on the 30th, the Nets were on pace to finish 5-77. Now, they are on pace to finish…8-74! Keep up the good work….

HRBL #2 Award – I am completely troubled by this story. I thought we had seen it all with Plaxico Burress…

INCRBL! Award – This goes to you, NBA fans. Because of your hard work and efforts, Tracy McGrady might start the NBA All Star game. Power to the People!

That about wraps it up for December and 2009. From everyone here at NBAtoday, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy new year.

-Duts