Victor Wembanyama, Ausar Thompson secure March Defensive Player of the Month honors
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The NBA on Monday named San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for March, extending his streak to three consecutive monthly awards after similar recognitions in January and February.
The 7-foot-4 rookie led the league with 56 blocks in March, averaging 3.7 rejections over 15 appearances. He also recorded 20 steals (1.3 per game) and ranked among the NBA leaders in contested shots, helping the Spurs post a 14-1 record in games he played during the month.
In the Eastern Conference, Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson captured his second Defensive Player of the Month award this season, adding March honors to his January win. The rookie paced the NBA with 32 steals across 13 games, an average of 2.5 per contest. He also topped the league in deflections at 4.8 per game and contributed 1.1 blocks nightly.
Other nominees
Western Conference finalists included Donovan Clingan, Rudy Gobert, Kris Dunn, Chet Holmgren and Luka Dončić. In the East, Thompson edged out Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, OG Anunoby, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels for the monthly distinction.
Source: Hoops Wire
