NBA Team of the Month for December

Power Forward: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has stepped up in Stephen Curry's absence

Team record: 13-2

Player stats in December: 27 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.5 bpg on 48% shooting, 36% from threes, +6.7 bpm, +9.0 net rating, 17.7 player impact estimate

Kevin Durant was able to hold the fort more often than not when Stephen Curry was injured. Although his efficiency was not up to his usual mark, he was able to cover it with his much improved defense.

With key players like Kawhi Leonard and Rudy Gobert missing much action due to injuries, Durant is a dark horse for Defensive Player of the Year as well. He is amongst the top-5 in the league in blocks-per-game along with the likes Myles Turner and Kristaps Porzingis. Now with Curry back in full flow, Golden State Warriors are expected to be rolling completely.

Other contenders for this position:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (8-5, 29 ppg, 10.8 rpg on 55% shooting, +4.5 bpm, +6.3 net rating, 19.5 player impact estimate)

Anthony Davis (5-6, 26.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.8 bpg on 55% shooting, 38% from threes, +4.9 bpm, +6.3 net rating, 16.8 player impact estimate)