Rudy Gobert was named the NBA’s defensive player of the year for a record fourth time on Tuesday.
The Frenchman from the Minnesota Timberwolves joins Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, also honored four times.
Gobert also received the honor in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Gobert is the first player to achieve the distinction with the T-Wolves.
“It reflects a lot of teamwork,” Gobert told the TNT network. Individual honors are appreciated, but you can’t do it alone.”
In the second round in the West, Minnesota took a 2-0 lead against the Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions.
Gobert missed the second game on Monday. He was in Minneapolis where his fiancée gave birth to their boy, Romeo.
“I am fulfilled on many levels,” said Gobert. I am very grateful for that.”
In the first game, the seven-foot-one center provided three blocks and six points.
Gobert averaged 14 points this season, appearing in 76 games. He led his team with 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
His teammate Naz Reid was recently named Reserve Player of the Year.
The third game of the series against Denver will take place Friday evening at Target Center.
2024-05-08 04:15:34
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