Anthony Davis Not Named Among Defensive Player of The Year Finalists

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Davis 

The NBA has revealed the top three finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year award, and Lakers' Anthony Davis didn't make the list. The finalists include Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs' rookie Victor Wembanyama.

This season, Davis showed his skills by playing in 76 games for the Lakers. He grabbed an average of 12.6 rebounds per game, blocked 2.3 shots, and made 1.2 steals. He was a key player for the Lakers' defense, which performed well throughout the season. Despite his efforts, he didn't get enough votes to be among the top three finalists.

Victor Wembanyama, the rookie, stood out with an impressive average of 3.6 blocks per game. Both he and Davis were the only players to achieve at least 10 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal per game this season.

Photo: Instagram/Anthony Davis

Rudy Gobert, a three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award, was crucial for the Timberwolves' top-ranked defense this season. Bam Adebayo also had a strong defensive season with a career-high 10.4 rebounds and nearly a block per game.

Though all four players had outstanding defensive seasons, only one will win the award. Unfortunately for Davis, he won't have a chance this year.

Currently, Anthony Davis faces a tough defensive challenge against Denver Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic. In the first game, Davis supported Rui Hachimura as the primary defender. However, Davis is prepared to take on the primary role if needed in the upcoming games.

“We’ll look at it and make our adjustments,” Davis commented. “If that means I’m on him for the whole game, then so be it. But that was the game plan going into tonight.”

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Source: Lakers Nation 

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