Kawhi Leonard Credits His Playoff Run To Learning From Great Players

BYAlexander Cole1.7K Views
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Kawhi Leonard

Leonard has been carrying the Raptors on his back in the playoffs.

Ever since Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors, he has become a man on a mission. While former NBA Finals MVP probably won't resign in Toronto, Leonard has been playing like he's prepared to carry this team all the way to the NBA Finals. Leonard scored 39 points on Sunday to help lead his team to a 101-96 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. With the win, the Raptors tied the series at two games apiece. 

Leonard has been phenomenal all playoffs long and after Sunday's game, the Raptors star explained what's made him so good in the clutch.

"Just really growing up and learning from players," Leonard explained to reporters according to Sporting News. "Watching great players. Seeing how they control the game and play at their own speed. Not trying to be rushed by the defender. But I was fortunate enough to be on some pretty good teams early. So I was able to see defenses, go on deep playoff runs and pretty much establish that early. I feel like that probably helped me out."

Leonard has averaged 38 points per game in the series against the 76ers and it doesn't seem like he'll be slowing down anytime soon. Up until Game 4, Leonard hadn't received much support from his teammates but now it seems like the entire Raptors squad is clicking.

The series is heading back to Toronto for Game 5 which goes down on Tuesday at 8 P.M. EST.


About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.