via Imago
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo drives on Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
via Imago
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo drives on Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The list on the best of the NBA season 2019-20 is out. Among all the categories, we have Defensive Player of the Year finalists in Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Rudy Gobert (Jazz), and Anthony Davis (Lakers). The list clearly misses out on mentioning Marcus Smart. In fact, none of the major award finalists were from the Boston Celtics.
This did not seem to impress shooting guard Jaylen Brown. The man is riding high with 22.2 points per game average in the last five games for the Celtics. He firmly believes the list missed out on mentioning a highly deserving name from his team.
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The Boston Celtics player takes one for his teammate
Jaylen took to Twitter to post his disappointment with the NBA listings. He feels Marcus Smart is a better defender than the trio that received the final nomination. He said, “Marcus Smart the best defender in the NBA night in night out.”
Marcus Smart the best defender in the NBA night in night out
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) August 8, 2020
If we look at the advanced NBA stats, we can note that Jaylen Brown (0.117) is far behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (0.198), Anthony Davis (0.130), and Rudy Gobert (0.124) in the Defensive Win Share. The Greek Freak (30.7) leads the pack even as we compare the defensive rebound percentage. But these stats still do not tell the complete story. Have a look at this level of commitment-
"Most guys when they dive for a loose ball are looking to maintain control. He's looking to pass." That's called winning plays, Mike.#Celtics Rewind is Presented by @TMobile
Watch on @NBCSBoston or stream: https://t.co/Xmx7Whh8Zt pic.twitter.com/UkzONZfxwE— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) August 8, 2020
How good is Marcus Smart?
The 26-YO Celtics star averages 13.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He is getting 3.1 DREB for his side, which is also his season-best when compared since his debut in the 2014-15 season.
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The Boston Celtics have won three of their five games in the Orlando Bubble season restart. Their latest win came against the last year’s NBA Champions Toronto Raptors. Jaylen Brown dropped 20 points and 6 rebounds in a match-winning performance. The Celtics are #3 in the Eastern Conference and are looking very strong, ahead of the playoffs where they can turn the tables.
Marcus Smart along with Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and Jayson Tatum form a very strong core for the Celtics. They will next face Orlando Magic on August 9 at 5:00 PM ET.
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Sources: Basketball Reference, Jaylen Brown – Twitter, Celtics on NBC Sports Boston – Twitter, NBA Stats
