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Gobert finished tied for sixth in blocks per
game (2.1) and averaged 14 points and 12.9 rebounds in 76 games,
his ninth straight season averaging a double-double.
"We love to give individual awards and all these things and it's
great, but you can't do it alone," Gobert said. "I really have a
lot of gratitude for (Timberwolves president of basketball
operations) Tim Connelly, (head coach) Chris Finch, all my
teammates allowing me to do what I do best every day. Just try
to change the culture in Minnesota."
But Gobert's standout achievement this season was anchoring the
Timberwolves' stifling defense. Minnesota ranked first in the
regular season in points allowed per game (106.5) and field goal
percentage allowed (45 percent) and was top five in blocks (4.5)
and rebounds (41.4).
"It's great to the guys for buying in and coming every single
night with the same mindset," Gobert said. "We really wanted to
be a defensive-minded team and we really want to do that so far
this year."
Gobert, who is the first player in Timberwolves franchise
history to win the award, won his first three Defensive Player
of the Year awards with the Utah Jazz (2018, 2019, 2021). A
three-time All-Star, Gobert has averaged 12.7 points, 11.8
rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 757 regular-season games during his
11-year career with the Jazz (2013-2022) and Timberwolves
(2023-2024).
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who was named NBA
Rookie of the Year on Monday, finished second in the voting.
Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, led the league in
blocks per game (3.6) and also averaged 1.2 steals per game. He
received 19 first-place votes and 245 points.
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (91 points) finished third, Los
Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (83) was fourth and New
Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (14) rounded out the top
five.
--Field Level Media [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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