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The Boston Celtics combo guard Marcus Smart has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Monday.

It’s the first DPOY award for Smart, who is the first guard to take home the honor since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season.

Marcus Smart explains how his leadership on defense has made a difference for the Celtics this season:

“I’m able to see things that most people aren’t able to see on that end … for me to be able to communicate to guys, it makes their job a lot easier.”