2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team’s Week 1 MVP
San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard
No surprises here, but the best player on the San Antonio Spurs has also been the best player through the first three games of their first round playoff series. Though his stat lines from the first two blowout games were mundane, Kawhi Leonard came through in a big way when the Grizzlies actually tested San Antonio in Game 3.
In that first road game of the series, Leonard finished with 32 points, seven rebounds, six three-pointers, five blocks and four steals — making him the first player in NBA history to record at least 32 points, six threes, five blocks and four steals in a playoff game.
Kawhi Leonard's 32 Pts, 5 Blk and 4 Stl in a playoff game has only been done by 3 other players. (via @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/jHPW59yn7Q
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 23, 2016
In a series that is all but over, Leonard is averaging 21.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per game on .511/.600/.909 shooting splits. That’s a microscopic sample size, but it’s scary to think about what numbers he might be capable of putting up once the challenging teams start showing up.
Next: Memphis Grizzlies