Kawhi Leonard dropped probably the greatest playoff performances in latest reminiscence to guide the LA Clippers to a win in Recreation 2 of the playoffs.
After an intense Recreation 1, the place Russell Westbrook’s defensive play within the clutch, helped Denver Nuggets get to a win, the LA Clippers secured a 105-102 win on the street in Recreation 2.
Kawhi Leonard had a memorable sport as he racked up 39 factors on a extremely environment friendly 78.9% taking pictures from the sphere, which is unbelievable given the way in which the Nuggets guarded him.
Regardless of having all the eye on him, the two-time Finals MVP confirmed his expertise by making 12 of his first 13 photographs.
His efficiency helped him earn lots of reward from the NBA group and particularly his former teammate, who made an fascinating remark to spark additional debate.
Williams and Kawhi Leonard had been teammates along with the Clippers for 2 years and through this time he first hand noticed what the ahead might do when match.
Nonetheless, selecting Leonard over Larry Chicken, who’s a three-time NBA champion and has extra laurels didn’t sit properly with others within the studio.
Talking on ‘Run it Again’ present, Williams stated: “He reminded everyone why we contemplate him if not one of many prime two or three small forwards within the sport why he’s in that dialog of all-time.”
Regardless of having probably the greatest resumes within the sport, Leonard’s profession has been hampered by accidents and Williams believes that’s the solely knock on his profession.
“He hasn’t been obtainable, however take a look at the accidents that he has come again from, take a look at the issues he’s gone via to place him within the place.
“We are able to solely think about what it seems like when he’s 100% wholesome and final night time was a pattern measurement of that and what you’ll be able to anticipate when he’s standing on his two ft and he can play at this stage,” added Williams.
He gave his prime 4 all-time rating on the SF place, but it surely was not taken properly by his fellow crew members DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons.
“LeBron, KD, Kawhi, Larry Chicken after which it get uneven from there,” stated Williams.
Cousins additionally had a small stint with the Clippers the place he was teammates with Leonard, however that didn’t cease him from placing others over him within the rankings.
He acknowledged issues would have been completely different for the previous Defensive Participant of the Yr award winner if not for accidents.
“In the case of Kawhi and his well being if he’s wholesome all through his profession, it is a completely different dialog.
“It’s two god ranges on this, Bron and Chicken, everyone else is up for debate,” stated Cousins.
The panel did point out Kevin Durant and Scottie Pippen within the dialog, however their rankings was one thing the place there was no consensus on.
Leonard definitely is in effective kind and is enjoying basketball like many haven’t seen him earlier than.
If he continues he could lead on the Clippers to a championship and that might push him additional up in these all-time lists.
