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Rudy Gobert wins Defensive Player of the Year

The Stifle Tower just got a little extra decoration.

Utah Jazz v Houston Rockets - Game Five Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

Rudy Gobert is officially the Defensive Player of the year beating out Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid. Rudy Gobert averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. In only 56 games, Rudy Gobert’s elite defense propelled Utah to a defensive rating of 101.6 for the season, but when he was healthy the Utah Jazz averaged a defensive rating of 96.0 post All-Star break. He wasn’t just a defensive threat either. The Utah Jazz averaged an offensive rating of 122 with Rudy Gobert.

Rudy Gobert’s impact was most felt when he returned back from injury the second time and help propel Utah to one of the NBA’s most historic midseason turnarounds. The Utah Jazz won games at a 60-win team clip while pulling from 10th in the Western Conference to 5th by the end of the season. His defensive prowess brought Utah a 1st round victory and made the Rockets uncomfortable in the second round.

Rudy Gobert finished second last year to Draymond Green, but in only 56 games, Rudy Gobert made himself the clear winner. The future is bright for Utah with a Rookie of the Year runner up and a Defensive Player of the Year winner.

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