NBA Defensive Player of the Year featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert and more: March 2nd, 2022 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda
As the 2021-22 NBA season progresses, the race for the Defensive Player of the Year award continues to heat up. A number of fascinating storylines throughout the league have basketball fans buzzing throughout the second half of the NBA season.
With teams having a goal of making another push towards the NBA playoffs, the race for seedings in both conferences is heating up in a hurry. The Western Conference continues to have two of the top teams in contention for the Finals. The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are ranked No.1 and No.2, while the Memphis Grizzlies are hot in pursuit.
Fans are watching closely when it comes to the race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, as there are a number of teams who could make a push up the standings.
With another week of the NBA season behind us, it's time for Sportskeeda to take a look at our updated NBA Defensive Player of the Year power rankings.
No. 5: Draymond Green
Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 0; Games won - 0; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 28; Games lost - 6
Last Week: PPG - N/A, APG - N/A, RPG - N/A
Overall: PPG - 7.9, APG - 7.4, RPG - 7.6
Last Week: FG% - N/A, 3P% - N/A, FT% - N/A
Overall: FG% - 53.7%, 3P% - 28.6%, FT% - 59.7%
The Golden State Warriors continue to look like one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA when they are at full force. As of now, the Warriors find themselves in second place in the Western Conference with an overall record of 43-19. The team has struggled a bit and it's been due to the extended absence of veteran forward Draymond Green.
Expect Draymond Green to make a major comeback 😤 https://t.co/ykRoVprSdf
If fans needed a selling point as to how important Green has been to the Warriors, the team's recent performance as of late would prove it. One of the most valuable assets in the NBA, Green was once seen as a runaway favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
After being sidelined with a back injury, Green is expected to hopefully return to Golden State soon and will have the potential to heat up again in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
No. 4: Mikal Bridges
Previous week’s NBA DPOY Power Ranking - #5
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 61; Games won - 49; Games lost - 12
Last Week: PPG - 13.3, APG - 4.0, RPG - 5.0
Overall: PPG - 13.4, APG - 2.2, RPG - 4.4
Last Week: FG% - 58.1%, 3P% - 20.0%, FT% - 66.7%
Overall: FG% - 53.3%, 3P% - 35.8%, FT% - 83.5%
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most impressive teams in the NBA this year and currently find themselves in first place in the Western Conference with an overall record of 49-12 this year. One of the most pleasant surprises of the season has been the strong play of young wing Mikal Bridges.
19.4 PTS 
Mikal Bridges is yet to miss a game in his NBA or NCAA career. Tonight, he could become the Suns' only player to play in every game this season.
In the 11 games before the break 👇
36.9 MIN 🔸 19.4 PTS 🔸 5.4 REB 🔸 61.5 FG% https://t.co/0PEXBQMINF
With the Suns dealing with a number of injuries to key players, including superstar guard Chris Paul, it was clear that someone was going to need to step up. Bridges has done that so far and continues to be one of the top defenders in the league.
In his last week of action, Bridges went on to post averages of 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He's continuing to make noise as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.