Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from promising Game 1 win vs. 76ers

1. Kawhi Leonard goes full “beastmode”

If there were any doubt left about Kawhi Leonard’s health, superstardom or ability to lead a team, that was all put to rest after Game 1. The Toronto Raptors’ primary offensive weapon was an absolute beast Saturday night, feasting on whatever the Sixers threw at him defensively.

His 45 points tied his career-high production from the regular season and was a new personal milestone in the postseason. His production in Game 1 was the best in franchise’s playoff history, and his postseason averages are also the best in franchise history: 30.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.8 makes from beyond the arc per game. Kawhi is third in the postseason in scoring and net rating (+20).

Kawhi has been disruptive on the defensive end too. When he was the primary defender on Ben Simmons, he held him to six points and helped create both of his turnovers. Leonard is most effective on the defensive end when he plays as a freelance help defender and comes up with timely plays to help the Raptors stop the offense and contest perimeter shots.

https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/1122367308759011328

Offensively, no 76er could stop Kawhi Leonard. He got it going early to start the game, starting 7-for-7 from the floor.  He was second on the team with a +26 on both ends of the court and an efficient 10-for-11 line from the charity stripe. To state it simply, Leonard played like a superstar.

His teammates respect, follow and appreciate him in every which way. The Toronto Raptors need Leonard to continue leading his team in the postseason to have a chance of reaching the NBA Finals.