Fansided

NBA Small Sample Size Awards

By Daniel Lewis

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves runs onto the court during player introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves runs onto the court during player introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 19, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Steals

Robert Covington (20), Jimmy Butler (18), Draymond Green (18)

Covington vaulted to the top of this list with 11 steals in his last three games, hunting against the Hawks, Raptors, and Clippers. Philadelphia has a strong defense, anchored by Embiid and his rim protection and Ben Simmons’ length on the perimeter. That foundation allows Covington to jump for steals, and create transition opportunities for his teammates. Covington is a solid 3&D defender in the league, and while he’s a weak link on offense for the team, there’s no denying his defensive chops.

Butler has always been a great defensive player, with elite strength and a desire to excel that defenders need. He’s challenging players when he locks onto them, and he’s experienced enough now to know exactly what to do in a litany of situations. Green is a similar player and uses his court awareness to snap the ball, triggering another fastbreak for his teammates.

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