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Rudy Gobert wins 2020-21 NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Gobert captures his third DPOY award in the last four seasons while leading the Jazz to the West’s No. 1 seed.

By Chinmay Vaidya
2021 NBA Playoffs - Memphis Grizzlies v Utah Jazz
Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz fights for position during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during Round 1, Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2021 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Photo by Jeff Swinger/NBAE via Getty Images

For the third time in the last four seasons, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Gobert averaged 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, typically the primary metrics when looking at DPOY candidates. He also led the league in defensive rebounds, blocks and defensive win shares while helping the Jazz earn the No. 1 seed in the Western conference.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Gobert was a heavy favorite over Philadlephia 76ers guard Ben Simmons and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green to win the award at -3335.

The Utah Jazz are currently up 1-0 in the second round against the Los Angeles Clippers and Gobert is a big reason why the Jazz were the No. 1 seed to begin with. Gobert will have a chance to cement his legacy by helping Utah win its first NBA Championship this season.

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