DOUG CHRISTIE • SACRAMENTO NOTABLE 2.34 steals per game Named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2001-02, Doug Christie is second in the NBA in steals only to Allen Iverson, but his real strength is as a one-on-one perimeter defender. He routinely guards the opposition's best scoring swingmen, charged with the unenviable task of shutting down the Kobe Bryants and Tracy McGradys of the world. TIM DUNCAN • SAN ANTONIO NOTABLE 13.0 rebounds per game 2.90 blocks per game His scoring has taken a bit of a dip compared to last year's MVP season, but Tim Duncan has upped his rebounds and blocked shots, averaging career-highs and ranking third in the NBA in both categories. With David Robinson playing fewer minutes in his final season, Duncan has clamped down defensively in the middle; the Spurs allow fewer points (90.6 ppg) than any team in the West and are second only to Detroit in the NBA. KEVIN GARNETT • MINNESOTA NOTABLE 13.3 rebounds per game 1.53 blocks per game 1.40 steals per game A member of the 2001-02 All-Defensive First Team, Kevin Garnett has been the subject of a lot of MVP talk this year. He's averaging career-highs in scoring and rebounding, but his all-around skills also serve the Timberwolves well defensively; the 6-11 small forward can rebound and block shots like a center, but can grab steals like a guard. ALLEN IVERSON • PHILADELPHIA NOTABLE 2.66 steals per game What Allen Iverson gives up in size, he makes up for in speed. Leading the NBA in steals for the third straight season, the Sixers guard shakes up the opposition on the defensive end by consistently darting into passing lanes to pick off the ball. And Iverson's aggressiveness is infectious; teammates Eric Snow, Aaron McKie and Kenny Thomas all average more than a steal per game, and Philadelphia is the league's No. 1 team in steals (10.1 spg). BEN WALLACE • DETROIT NOTABLE 15.4 rebounds per game 3.07 blocks per game 1.39 steals per game The undersized Detroit center is playing big once again, following up his 2001-02 Defensive Player of the Year performance by leading the NBA in both rebounding (15.4 rpg) and blocks (3.07) for the second consecutive season. Anchoring a Pistons defense that allows a league-low 86.7 points per game, Ben Wallace simply owns the inside, denying shot attempts and cleaning the glass; his 15.4 rebounds per game are the highest average since Dennis Rodman's 16.1 in 1996-97. NBA Matchup: Greg Anthony talks to Ben Wallace OTHER NOMINEES RON ARTEST • INDIANA 2.17 steals per game KOBE BRYANT • L.A. LAKERS 2.17 steals per game 2001-02 All-Defensive Second Team JASON KIDD • NEW JERSEY 2.20 steals per game 2001-02 All-Defensive First Team JERMAINE O'NEAL • INDIANA 10.4 rebounds per game 2.28 blocks per game THEO RATLIFF • ATLANTA 3.06 blocks per game