Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been named the 2016-17 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, it was announced at tonight’s NBA Awards. It is the first time he has won the award in his career.
Green won the award over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, who were the other two finalists.
Green openly campaigned for the award during the season, and was the key to Golden State’s attack. His ability to defend multiple positions is what made him the NBA’s most valuable players, and averaged career-highs in both steals (2.0) and blocks (1.4) per game.
The Warriors finished with the league’s best record for third straight season (67-15) and led the NBA in opponents field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
Gobert had a breakout year for the Jazz, leading the NBA in blocks (2.6 per game) while spearheading Utah’s defensive attack that ranked second in the league in opponents field goal percentage.
Leonard, who won the award each of the last two years, finished third.
All three players were named to the NBA All-Defensive first team earlier today, along with Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul and Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley.
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