Mar, 21, 2012; Oklahoma City OK, USA;Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena Mandatory Credit: Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE
Congratulations are in order for Serge Ibaka, who was just named to the NBA All Defensive First Team. This is the first time Ibaka has been awarded the honor.
All-Defensive First Team Picks | NBA.com
Ibaka has been an emerging defensive specialist for some time now, but in this past season he truly rose to another level. He has become arguably the best weak-side defensive player in the league, averaging 3.7 blocks per game, which is a huge jump from last season's mark of 2.4 blocks per game. He averaged nearly half a block more than the second best shot blocker, Roy Hibbert.
To top off Ibaka's defensive play in this shortened season, he recorded double-digit blocks not once, not twice, but on three separate occasions.
Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha also received votes this season.
All-Defensive First Team
- LeBron James - Small Forward
- Serge Ibaka - Power Forward
- Dwight Howard - Center
- Chris Paul - Point Guard
- Tony Allen - Shooting Guard
- Kevin Garnett - Power Forward
- Luol Deng - Small Forward
- Tyson Chandler - Center
- Rajon Rondo - Point Guard
- Kobe Bryant - Shooting Guard
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