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San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard selected unanimously to all-defensive team

By The Sports Xchange
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2). UPI/Aaron M. Sprecher
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2). UPI/Aaron M. Sprecher | License Photo

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard was named a unanimous selection for the NBA All-Defensive team announced Wednesday.

Joining Leonard, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, on the first team were Golden State forward Draymond Green, Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul and Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley.

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The players were selected by a panel of 130 sportswriters across North America. Leonard received all 130 votes.

Leonard made the NBA All-Star team for the first time this season and was part of a San Antonio defense that held opponents to a league-low 92.9 points per game. He is the first non-center to receive the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons since Dennis Rodman 25 years ago.

Leonard averaged 1.78 steals, which ranked 12th in the NBA, 5.5 defensive rebounds and a career-high 0.99 blocked shots per game.

Paul was named to the first team for the fifth consecutive season and the sixth time overall. Leonard, Green and Jordan were on the first team for the second straight season.

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Named to the second team were Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside, Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler.

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