BREAKING: Rudy Gobert ties record with 4th DPOY award

Rudy Gobert just bagged his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, putting him in the elite company of legends like Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace. The Minnesota Timberwolves center was crowned the 2023-24 DPOY on Tuesday, edging out finalists Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who snagged the Rookie of the Year just the day before.

This season, Gobert was nothing short of a defensive juggernaut, racking up an average of 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, and an impressive 2.8 stocks (steals + blocks) per game—a noticeable bump from his previous season. His stellar play has been the cornerstone of the Timberwolves' defense, which emerged as arguably the league's best, topping the charts in defensive efficiency.

Their rock-solid defense propelled them to snag the third seed in the Western Conference, and they're currently leading 2-0 against the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals. Over the first five playoff games, Gobert has continued to shine with averages of 13.2 points and 11.4 rebounds.

Amid this high-stakes playoff run, Gobert's personal life has been just as eventful. After missing Game 2 for the birth of his first child, he's set to return for Game 3 with yet another accolade under his belt. His return couldn't be more timely as the Timberwolves look to maintain their lead and push deeper into the playoffs. What a week for Rudy Gobert—talk about a game-changer both on and off the court!


Source SI: BREAKING: Minnesota's Rudy Gobert Wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Source Yahoo Sports: Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year award