Blazers’ Camara Named Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara has been named the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month for February, the NBA announced on social media. Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley took home the honor for the Eastern Conference.

Camara spearheaded a Blazers defense that ranked No. 4 in the NBA in defensive rating at 109.2 through February while posting an 8-4 record. The second-year forward ranked No. 4 in the West with 2.0 steals per game, and he was the only player in the conference with over 50 rebounds, 20 steals and 10 blocks during the month. Camara also leads the league with 25 charges drawn this season, leading the next best player by seven.

Camara posted a number of impressive defensive games and highlights throughout February while tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player most nights. In a win against the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 4, Camara drew six offensive fouls while recording one steal and a block. He recorded at least three steals in a game three times, including a five-steal performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 20. He also recorded three blocks against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 12, including this rejection of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Camara’s acclaim around the league has continued to rise throughout the season for his physicality, endless motor and ability to guard all five positions on the floor. Before taking home the award for February, Camara was nominated for Defensive Player of the Month for October and November, December, and January.

For February, he beat out a field of nominees that included Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, Los Angeles Clippers teammates Kris Dunn and Ivica Zubac, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson.

In the East, nominees included Brooklyn Nets big Nic Claxton, Atlanta Hawks wing Dyson Daniels, Detroit Pistons teammates Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson, and Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.