Fansided

NBA Award Watch: Another great week for the Greek Freak

By John Buhler

Nov 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs onto the rim after dunking for a basket in the third quarter during the game against the Sacramento Kings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Kings 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) hangs onto the rim after dunking for a basket in the third quarter during the game against the Sacramento Kings at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Kings 117-91. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (right) attempts to foul Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (right) attempts to foul Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (left) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Paul

Let’s be real. Paul has a compelling case to be NBA MVP already. His team is 6-1 through seven games and the Los Angeles Clippers might end up getting to the elusive Western Conference Finals this season.

This week, let’s recognize Paul for the effort he is putting forth on the defensive end of the floor. His defensive effort has been among the best in basketball. He is leading the league in steals with 33 and steals per game at 3.3 SPG. This gives him a ridiculous 5.4 steal percentage.

Paul is leading the association in Defensive Win Shares (0.8), Win Shares per 48 (.428), Defensive Box Plus-Minus (6.6), and Box Plus-Minus (18.0). His stout defensive efforts have made the Clippers the best defensive team in the NBA in terms of defensive efficiency at 91.7.

We knew that the Clippers were going to be one of the better teams in the NBA this season. Did we know that Los Angeles would have the best record and defense in basketball? No, but we did know that Paul was an elite defender. We didn’t realize that he’d be keying defensive team in Los Angeles. This is Lob City and he’s making it Swipe City.

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