Former Boston Celtics players Isaiah Thomas and Kendrick Perkins are now campaigning for Marcus Smart as the Defensive Player of the Year.

After seeing Smart's performance in the Celtics' narrow defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, Perkins and Thomas were convinced that the 25-year-old defense-first guard is a strong contender for the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year.

Against the Clippers, Smart finished with 15 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals. However, what raised the eyebrows of those who watched the game was the play below.

Smart was determined not to let Kawhi Leonard ā€” one of the best closers of today's game ā€” to get the ball in the dying seconds. He succeeded in doing so by deflecting the ball and subsequently knocking it off Leonard's foot.

Smart hurt himself afterwards, which says a ton about his defensive intensity.

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Smart, the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, quickly established himself as the type of player who would dive for the ball with no regard for his own safety. He has been a key pillar of the Celtics' defense, and one could say he is the heart and soul of the team.

Last year, Smart was recognized for his defensive efforts and was named into the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

But this year, he seems intent not just on being a member of the elite defensive squad. He wants to be crowned the best defender in the NBA. Now, his colleagues have taken notice.