Rudy Gobert named Defensive Player of the Year / News - Basketnews.com

Rudy Gobert was the anchor of the Minnesota Timberwolves' defense, which was the best in the league.

Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Abbie Parr - Scanpix

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

3-pointers this season

39%12,6Points made:12,6Accuracy:38,6%Place in standings:16Record max:21Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Anthony EdwardsTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Gobert became only the third player in league history to win the award four times, joining Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace. He previously won the award in 2020-21, 2018-19, and 2017-18.

Gobert is also the first player in Timberwolves' history to win the DPOY award, which is also called the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy.

"It's great but you can't do it alone," Gobert said on TNT.

"I really have a lot of gratitude for ... all my teammates for believing in me, allowing me to do what I do best every day and just try to change the culture here in Minnesota. It's great for the guys for buying in."

Rudy Gobert Nikola JokicCredit AP-Scanpix

Behind Gobert, Minnesota had the best defensive rating in the league, allowing the fewest points per game and holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage in the NBA.

He averaged 14.0 points on 66.1% shooting, 12.9 rebounds (second in the league), and a team-high 2.13 blocks per game this season.

The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 lead over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals with the series shifting to Minnesota.

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