Jazz Honor Gobert With Defensive Player Of The Year Trophy Before Game 2 Against Clippers

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Jazz honored Rudy Gobert and presented the center with the 2020-21 NBA Defensive Player of the Year trophy prior to Utah’s playoff game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Jazz hosted the Clippers at Vivint Arena for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Thursday, June 10.

A day before Game 2, Gobert was awarded his third Defensive Player of the Year Award.

It was Gobert’s third honor in the last four seasons. He is one of four players in league history to win the award at least three times.

Fans celebrate @utahjazz center Rudy Gobert’s third Defensive Player of the Year Award.#TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/5aGaZ4X4qh

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 11, 2021

Gobert led the Jazz to the third-best defense in the NBA and the best overall record this season. He also led the NBA in raw plus-minus at +728, ranked second in blocks per game at 2.7, and second in rebounds per game at 13.5.

“I think it takes a team effort,” Gobert said of winning the award for the third time. “It takes obviously toughness, mental toughness. It’s just hard work and dedication every single day. You’ve got to come in with a mindset to try to make your team as good as it can be.”

Rudy's pregame tribute 🏆🏆🏆

💛 félicitations, @rudygobert27 💛 pic.twitter.com/94RzTxsfyQ

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 11, 2021

This season, Gobert was selected as an NBA All-Star for the second time in his career.

During the regular season, the center averaged 14.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game.

Utah’s game against Los Angeles is broadcast on ESPN and 97.5 FM.