It looks like Marcus Smart and Boston Celtics fans have plenty to celebrate after Smart was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
While there is often a discussion surrounding the fact that defense is rarely celebrated as much as it should be in basketball, great defenders are generally recognized fairly frequently. Of course, each and every year, the NBA recognizes an elite defender who deserves to be celebrated.
This year, that player is Marcus Smart, according to the folks behind the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
That’s right. Smart has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts and accomplishments throughout the regular season.
The 2021-22 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year is Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart! pic.twitter.com/kfwG9NcUae
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 18, 2022
Unsurprisingly, Boston Celtics fans are thrilled, as they should be. This is something Smart, his Celtics teammates, and their fans should absolutely be excited about.
https://twitter.com/FanSided/status/1516194144846159873?s=20&t=O5AWDIiPUMfq5egBN03VUw
And here’s how Boston fans are reacting on Twitter.
Marcus Smart wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Boston Celtics fans celebrate
While there are some NBA fans who support other franchises that may believe another player was more deserving of this honor, it’s no shock that Celtics fans are quick to defend their NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
196 steals… #1 defense in the league how could it not go to him
— Josh (@josh_doherty_) April 18, 2022
AS HE SHOULD BE‼️‼️
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2022
Congratulations @smart_MS3, no one deserves it more 💚 pic.twitter.com/GawQqkr7Ih
Well deserved🔥 pic.twitter.com/XCCh26fa7t
— Boston’s Champ Team (@bostonchampteam) April 18, 2022
Smart means a lot to the Celtics. He’s a very valuable contributor and brings a lot to the table. Now his hard work is being recognized and celebrated. That has to be a great feeling for Smart and those around him.
https://twitter.com/NevNev20/status/1516191322989903875?s=20&t=O5AWDIiPUMfq5egBN03VUw
BOW BEFORE HIM, THE KING OF DEFENSE pic.twitter.com/CZAJFg6Cr7
— jayson tatum enjoyer (@AdamJTurke) April 18, 2022
https://twitter.com/CelticsValid/status/1516194926215806983?s=20&t=O5AWDIiPUMfq5egBN03VUw
MUCH DESERVED
— Noah Sayed (@Noah_Sayed529) April 18, 2022
Now the Celtics are focused on getting past Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets. Boston will almost certainly need some great, standout performances consistently from Smart to make it to the next round of the NBA Playoffs.