Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 blowout win vs. Magic

3. Oh my, Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard truly played like a top-five player in the association in the Toronto Raptors’ win on Sunday. He was the best player on the court on both ends of the floor and it wasn’t even close. After what was arguably his worst postseason performance, Leonard was on a mission to help get his franchise to its first ever 3-1 series lead, three-game postseason win-streak and largest point total (107) in a playoff road game.

His intensity and tenacity was felt throughout the game despite his turnover to start the game (his only one in this contest). He was absolutely spectacular defensively, with highlight reel blocks to just completely stripping the ball away from his opponent with his trademark “Klaw” hands.

What’s even more spectacular is he did most of his offensive damage in the second quarter of the game, when it was still within the Magic’s grasp. In a three-minute span, Kawhi dropped nine straight points for the Raptors, extending their lead from five to 11. After that, Toronto never looked back and held the lead the rest of the game. Kawhi finished the first half with 18 points.

The Magic weren’t done, as they came out of the halftime break on a mission, but they still had no answer for Kawhi, who poured in 12 of his 34 points in the third. Raptors broadcaster and NBA analyst Jack Armstrong said it best, “I just thought he played a complete game.”