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Gobert, Davis, Embiid named Defensive Player of the Year finalists

Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers were named the finalists for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award on Wednesday.

Gobert could be the favorite to take home his first Defensive Player of the Year trophy despite missing 26 games due to a knee injury. His impact on the Utah Jazz was absolute; they went 30-8 with a 97.5 defensive rating after his return.

Davis and Embiid were also integral to their teams' top-15 defenses, with Davis leading the league in rebounding and ranking third in blocks.

The winners for all awards will be announced at the NBA Awards gala on June 25 in Los Angeles.

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