Leonard becomes the first Spurs player to win the award since David Robinson in 1991-92. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Leonard averaged 2.3 steals and 5.9 defensive rebounds per game and won the award despite receiving fewer first-place votes than Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. Green had 42 first-place votes to 37 for Leonard.
With 333 total points, Leonard beat Green by 16 (317) on the strength of 41 second-place votes. Players were given five points for a first-place vote, three for second-place votes and one point for third place. Leonard also edged Green in third-place votes, 25-17.
Leonard becomes the first Spurs player to win the award since David Robinson in 1991-92.
Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, who received 32 first-place votes, was third and Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans finished fourth.
Jordan totaled 261 points in the voting. Davis had 107.
