SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama is the first recipient of the NBA's Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October/November, having been named the winner by league on Tuesday. Hawks guard Dyson Daniels joins him as the East's victor for the first-ever honors.
Over 16 games played in October and November, Wembanyama led the league with 3.56 blocks per game (no one else had more than 2.9) and 57 total blocks. He also accounted for 45.9% of the Spurs' total blocks, and average 1.31 steals per game as well.
The Spurs sophomore currently owns a 103.8 defensive rating that pushes the Spurs to the NBA's ninth-ranked defense and puts them among the top three shot-blocking teams in the league.
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According to the Spurs, opponents shot 104-of-262 from the field last month when guarded by Wembanyama, who held a 39.7% defended field goal percentage. Within four feet of the rim, teams took 3.3% fewer shots when Wembanyama was on the floor and shot just 38.2% within four to 10 feet.
In addition, the Spurs have recorded more blocks than their opponent in 16 consecutive games, thanks primarily to Wemby. San Antonio is 2-0 when he records four-plus steals and has recorded three blocks in four straight games heading into Tuesday night's contest versus the Phoenix Suns.
Wembanyama, who finished his rookie season as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, was widely expected to win the award for his sophomore campaign before this season started. His latest honor may very well be the first step in that goal becoming a reality.
STEPHON CASTLE NOMINATED FOR WEST ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle is also turning heads in the NBA, having been nominated for the NBA's Rookie of the Month Award for October/November. Memphis' Jaylen Wells, a second-round pick for the Grizzlies out of Washington State, ultimately won the honor.