NBA Defensive Player of the Year featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and more: March 23rd, 2022 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda
The race for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award intensifies with each passing week. As we reach the final stretch of the regular season, fans will be watching to see which players generate the most momentum.
In the Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns (58-14) and Memphis Grizzlies (49-23) have been outstanding. The Boston Celtics (45-28) have ridden a strong surge to move into fourth in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games behind the East-leading Miami Heat (47-25).
It's time to look at the updated Defensive Player of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.
No. 5: Robert Williams
Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 59; Games won - 38; Games lost - 21
Last Week: PPG - 6.7, APG - 2.0, RPG - 7.3
Overall: PPG - 9.9, APG - 2.0, RPG - 9.6
Last Week: FG% - 83.3%, BLK - 2.3, FT% - N/A
Overall: FG% - 73.2%, BLK - 2.2, FT% - 71.9%.
The Boston Celtics have been sensational since the All-Star break. Boston has become one of the league's most dominant defensive teams. One of the underrated reasons for the Celtics' eye-opening play lately has been big man Robert Williams.
LOOK AT ROBERT WILLIAMS III https://t.co/8GIi9VgoTT
Williams continues to be a dominant defensive presence in the middle of the paint. The athletic shot blocker has been one of the league's most underappreciated bigs. He's taken great strides in his development this year. Williams is averaging 9.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He's a name that should be in the mix for DPOY.
No. 4: Mikal Bridges
Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - 2nd
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 4; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 72; Games won - 58; Games lost - 14
Last Week: PPG - 21.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 3.5
Overall: PPG - 14.1, APG - 2.3, RPG - 4.3
Last Week: FG% - 50.9%, STL - 1.5, FT% - 81.3%
Overall: FG% - 52.8%, STL - 1.2, FT% - 84.1%.
The Phoenix Suns are the team to beat in the Western Conference as they hold the NBA's best record. Since star guard Chris Paul went down with an injury, young wing Mikal Bridges has seen his game take off to another level.
What Coach said. 🗣
@mikal_bridges for Defensive Player of the Year. 🔒 https://t.co/brxWwnzXGc
Bridges has built a reputation as one of the NBA's best young defensive wings. He's one of the main reasons the Suns have had so much success this year. In his last week, Bridges averaged 21.0 points and 1.5 steals per game.