Victor Wembanyama unanimously named NBA Defensive Player of the Year The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been around since 1983, and in that time, no player has ever received 100 per cent of the ‌first-place votes for the award.Victor Wembanyama is now the first.The San Antonio Spurs superstar centre ⁠received 100 first-place votes out of a possible 100 to unanimously win the prestigious award, the NBA announced on Monday.“I’m super, ‌super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first ‌ever unanimous,” he said on NBC Sports ‌Network.Wembanyama, ⁠a candidate for Most Valuable Player, led ⁠the league in blocks (3.1 per game) for the third straight season in becoming the youngest player to ever earn the award (22 years, 98 days).The two-time ‌All-Star also averaged career highs in points (25.0) and rebounds (11.5) while chipping in a steal per game for a Spurs team that compiled the second-best ‌record in the league (62-20) and also ranked No. 3 in the league in defensive rating.Wembanyama secured 500 points in the voting and ⁠joined fellow Spur legend David Robinson in becoming the only two players since 1991-92 to win the award within ‌their first three seasons.That continues a remarkable tradition: a league-high four different Spurs players have now won the award a combined five times: Alvin Robertson (1986), Robinson, Kawhi Leonard (2015, 2016) and Wembanyama.The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren finished second in the voting with 239 ‌points (76 second-place votes), while the Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson finished third with 60 points (nine second-place votes). The Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (41 points) and the Raptors’ Scottie ⁠Barnes (21 points) rounded out the top five.“He changes the game ⁠so much,” Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter marveled Sunday after Wembanyama’s dominant effort in San ‌Antonio’s playoff-opening 111-98 victory over Portland. Wembanyama set a franchise record with 35 points in his playoff debut, adding two blocks on the defensive end for good measure.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Victor #Wembanyama #unanimously #named #NBA #Defensive #Player #Year

Victor Wembanyama unanimously named NBA Defensive Player of the Year
The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been around since 1983, and in that time, no player has ever received 100 per cent of the ‌first-place votes for the award.
Victor Wembanyama is now the first.
The San Antonio Spurs superstar centre ⁠received 100 first-place votes out of a possible 100 to unanimously win the prestigious award, the NBA announced on Monday.
“I’m super, ‌super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first ‌ever unanimous,” he said on NBC Sports ‌Network.
Wembanyama, ⁠a candidate for Most Valuable Player, led ⁠the league in blocks (3.1 per game) for the third straight season in becoming the youngest player to ever earn the award (22 years, 98 days).
The two-time ‌All-Star also averaged career highs in points (25.0) and rebounds (11.5) while chipping in a steal per game for a Spurs team that compiled the second-best ‌record in the league (62-20) and also ranked No. 3 in the league in defensive rating.
Wembanyama secured 500 points in the voting and ⁠joined fellow Spur legend David Robinson in becoming the only two players since 1991-92 to win the award within ‌their first three seasons.
That continues a remarkable tradition: a league-high four different Spurs players have now won the award a combined five times: Alvin Robertson (1986), Robinson, Kawhi Leonard (2015, 2016) and Wembanyama.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren finished second in the voting with 239 ‌points (76 second-place votes), while the Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson finished third with 60 points (nine second-place votes). The Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (41 points) and the Raptors’ Scottie ⁠Barnes (21 points) rounded out the top five.
“He changes the game ⁠so much,” Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter marveled Sunday after Wembanyama’s dominant effort in San ‌Antonio’s playoff-opening 111-98 victory over Portland. Wembanyama set a franchise record with 35 points in his playoff debut, adding two blocks on the defensive end for good measure.
Published on Apr 21, 2026
#Victor #Wembanyama #unanimously #named #NBA #Defensive #Player #Year

The NBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been around since 1983, and in that time, no player has ever received 100 per cent of the ‌first-place votes for the award.

Victor Wembanyama is now the first.

The San Antonio Spurs superstar centre ⁠received 100 first-place votes out of a possible 100 to unanimously win the prestigious award, the NBA announced on Monday.

“I’m super, ‌super happy to win this award and actually super proud to be the first ‌ever unanimous,” he said on NBC Sports ‌Network.

Wembanyama, ⁠a candidate for Most Valuable Player, led ⁠the league in blocks (3.1 per game) for the third straight season in becoming the youngest player to ever earn the award (22 years, 98 days).

The two-time ‌All-Star also averaged career highs in points (25.0) and rebounds (11.5) while chipping in a steal per game for a Spurs team that compiled the second-best ‌record in the league (62-20) and also ranked No. 3 in the league in defensive rating.

Wembanyama secured 500 points in the voting and ⁠joined fellow Spur legend David Robinson in becoming the only two players since 1991-92 to win the award within ‌their first three seasons.

That continues a remarkable tradition: a league-high four different Spurs players have now won the award a combined five times: Alvin Robertson (1986), Robinson, Kawhi Leonard (2015, 2016) and Wembanyama.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren finished second in the voting with 239 ‌points (76 second-place votes), while the Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson finished third with 60 points (nine second-place votes). The Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (41 points) and the Raptors’ Scottie ⁠Barnes (21 points) rounded out the top five.

“He changes the game ⁠so much,” Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter marveled Sunday after Wembanyama’s dominant effort in San ‌Antonio’s playoff-opening 111-98 victory over Portland. Wembanyama set a franchise record with 35 points in his playoff debut, adding two blocks on the defensive end for good measure.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

Source link
#Victor #Wembanyama #unanimously #named #NBA #Defensive #Player #Year

Tag san antonio spurs star wembanyama Victor Wembanyama victor wembayama named defender of the year wembanyama wembanyama named defender of the year

Deadspin | Leon Draisaitl set to return as Oilers battle Ducks <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28458023.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28458023.jpg" alt="NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 10, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Edmonton Oilers could be getting Leon Draisaitl back at just the right time.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Draisaitl practiced for a second straight day on Sunday heading into Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series against the visiting Anaheim Ducks on Monday night.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Draisaitl sustained a lower-body injury against the Nashville Predators on March 15 and missed the last 14 games of the regular season.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Draisaitl was well on his way to securing his fifth straight 100-point season before finishing with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Draisaitl centered a line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen on Sunday, and was also on the first power-play unit.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“We’ll see how it feels (on Monday), and then, yeah, we’ll make a call from there,” Draisaitl said. “There’s lots of things that go into it. Again, it’s going to take a little bit of time, but I’m going to find my ways to contribute and try to get to my best as quick as I can.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Oilers took two out of three against the Ducks in the regular season.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>They combined for 11 goals in each of the first two meetings before the Oilers won 4-2 on March 28 in Edmonton. The victory came in the middle of a five-game winning streak that helped the Oilers leapfrog the Ducks for second place in the Pacific Division and earn them home-ice advantage for the series.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>“The push we had the last month or so, we’ve played a lot better,” Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. “We had some big guys go down, and guys come in and fill those spots. The guys in here feel as good as they have all year, going into the playoffs, which absolutely can help our group.”</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>The Oilers are aware the Ducks have solid goaltending and high-end skill up front that prefers to to play at a fast pace.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“That’s not how we want to play,” Edmonton center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said. “We want to play tight defensively, and make things really difficult for them and wait for our chances.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>While the Ducks haven’t been to the playoffs in eight years, they do have several veterans with playoff experience.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Alex Killorn won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020-21, John Carlson lifted the Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, Chris Kreider played in the Stanley Cup Finals with the New York Rangers in 2014, Mikael Granlund advanced to the Western Conference finals with the Dallas Stars last season, and Jacob Trouba has appeared in 73 playoff games during his career.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>And then there’s coach Joel Quenneville, who guided the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup titles from 2010-15.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“He calms you a little bit knowing he’s been there, and you can just see it on his face,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “He’s won a lot of hockey games, a lot of playoff hockey games. He’s won Cups, and just to see his excitement (at practice on Saturday). Like, you can tell. It’s like Christmas to him, just being able to game plan for one team and just the whole playoff format and the atmosphere. And just seeing him excited, it just shows you how this is what you really play hockey for.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Quenneville said he gets the most excited for the first game of the season and the first playoff game.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“The best part of winning the Cup is trying to win the Cup, so that starts when they drop the puck on the first game,” Quenneville said.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Leon #Draisaitl #set #return #Oilers #battle #Ducks

Deadspin | Leody Taveras’ 12th-inning grand slam propels Orioles past Royals Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory. Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests. The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings. Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023. Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0. They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins. In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino. Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory.

Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests.

The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1.

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings.

Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023.

Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0.

They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins.

In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino.

Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals">Deadspin | Leody Taveras’ 12th-inning grand slam propels Orioles past Royals

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Leody Taveras’ grand slam highlighted a five-run 12th inning, after Samuel Basallo forced extras with a two-out, opposite-field RBI single in the ninth, and the Baltimore Orioles handed the host Kansas City Royals an eighth straight loss with Monday night’s 7-5 victory.

Baltimore had three hits through 11 innings, but tripled that total in the 12th, when 21-year-old catcher Basallo broke a 2-2 tie with his second RBI single. Then with the bags full, Taveras sent a pitch from Alex Lange (0-2) over the center-field wall for his first grand slam, which helped the Orioles win for just the second time in seven contests.

The Orioles managed only Taylor Ward’s first-inning double through the first eight innings. Then in the ninth, Kansas City’s Lucas Erceg walked three batters, and with two out and runners on first and second, Basallo lined a hit to left to tie things at 1-1.

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo, who dropped his ERA to 1.15 in five 2026 starts, allowed Ward’s double, and also walked four over seven strong innings. Meanwhile, Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish yielded 10 hits and three walks, but only Jac Caglianone’s homer, while also striking out seven on 104 pitches over 5 1/3 innings.

Nick Loftin had a three-run double in the 12th, while Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez each had three of the 14 hits for Kansas City, which stranded 16 runners, including the bases loaded in three different innings without scoring. The Royals’ eight-game losing streak is their longest since dropping 10 straight in 2023.

Kansas City filled bases with one out in the first, but came up empty after Carter Jensen grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. The Royals, though, needed only one swing from Caglianone an inning later to go up 1-0.

They loaded the bases again in the third, this time with nobody out. But Bradish got Michael Massey to ground into a pitcher-to-home force out, then fanned Caglianone and Isaac Collins.

In the sixth, the bags were filled with Royals and two out. However, Baltimore’s Rico Garcia, who has not allowed a run or hit in 11 innings of 11 appearances this season, struck out Vinnie Pasquantino.

Anthony Nunez (1-0) allowed an unearned run over two innings for the win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Leody #Taveras #12thinning #grand #slam #propels #Orioles #Royals

Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.

Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.

He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.

“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.

“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”

Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.

He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.

“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”

Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.

ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded

Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.

“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.

“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.

“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.

Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win">

Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awardedEndrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win

mwasimuddin125 0

Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.
Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.
He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.
“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.
“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”
Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.
He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.
“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”
Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.
ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded
Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.
“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.
“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.
“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.
Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.
Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win">Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again