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Raptors Star Makes History: First Defensive Player of Month
3 Dec
Summary
- Scottie Barnes is the first Raptor to win Defensive Player of the Month.
- Barnes leads NBA in combined steals and blocks, with over 30 of each.
- Cason Wallace leads the league in steals and deflections for the West.
Scottie Barnes has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Toronto Raptor to be awarded Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October and November. His exceptional performance anchored the Raptors' defense, contributing to a strong 14-7 start. Barnes is notably the only player in the NBA with over 30 steals and 30 blocks this season.
Alongside Barnes, Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder was recognized as the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month. Wallace leads the NBA in steals and the Western Conference in deflections, playing a crucial role in the Thunder's top-ranked defense. This marks Wallace's first such monthly honor.
Both players have been instrumental for their respective teams, showcasing elite defensive skills. Barnes's all-around game also includes strong scoring and rebounding numbers, while Wallace's defensive prowess has significantly boosted the Thunder's overall performance, highlighting a new era of defensive recognition in the league.
