Wembanyama, Thompson Collect March Defensive Honors
SLUG: wembanyama-thompson-earn-march-defensive-awards
Victor Wembanyama captured the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award for March, marking the San Antonio Spurs center’s third consecutive victory in that category, the NBA announced.
The 7-foot-4 rookie dominated on the back line of one of the league’s top defenses during 15 March appearances, amassing an NBA-best 56 blocks (3.7 per game) and 20 steals (1.3). He also ranked second in the league with 11.6 contested shots per game while guiding San Antonio to a 14-1 record; the Spurs dropped another contest in which he did not play.
Ausar Thompson earned the Eastern Conference’s monthly defensive honor, becoming the only other multi-time winner this season after first claiming the trophy in January. The Detroit Pistons wing piled up 32 steals in 13 March games (2.5 per night), pushing him to the top of the league’s steals leaderboard. Thompson also averaged a league-high 4.8 deflections and added 1.1 blocks per game.
Other Western Conference nominees were Donovan Clingan (Trail Blazers), Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves), Kris Dunn (Clippers), Chet Holmgren (Thunder) and, in a surprise, Luka Doncic (Lakers). In the East, Thompson edged out Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), OG Anunoby (Knicks) and Atlanta teammates Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels.
Source: Hoops Rumors
