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Wembanyama Is Unanimous DPOY as Spurs Monitor Concussion Protocol for Game 3

The unanimous Defensive Player of the Year nod reflects league-best rim protection on a Spurs defense near the top of the league.

Overview

  • Victor Wembanyama remains in concussion protocol after a Game 2 head impact, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting he completed cardio work and hopes to travel for Game 3 in Portland.
  • His clearance to play has not been decided, leaving San Antonio to plan for a pivotal availability call in a tight playoff series.
  • The 22-year-old was named Defensive Player of the Year in a unanimous vote, becoming the award’s first unanimous winner and its youngest recipient.
  • He led the NBA in blocks for a third straight season with 197, logged 66 steals, and anchored a Spurs unit that ranked second by defensive rating at 110.4.
  • On the Road Trippin' podcast, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins predicted Wembanyama could win five or six straight DPOY awards, a run that would surpass Dwight Howard’s three-year streak and the four-award totals of Ben Wallace, Dikembe Mutombo, and Rudy Gobert.