Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from big Game 4 win vs. 76ers

1. Kawhi Leonard is “really good at basketball”

Kawhi Leonard is dominating the Sixers this series, posting unworldly averages of 38 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 62.0 percent from the field. After Game 4, Marc Gasol said it best:

This whole takeaway can be about how his production is at Michael Jordan comparison level of greatness. His calm demeanor throughout the game and his clutch performance were the main stories.

He was main reason for the Raptors being able to win Game 4, and his fourth quarter production was elite. He produced 10 of the team’s 21 points in the period, including the dagger that put the game out of reach:

https://twitter.com/NBACanada/status/1125159501147955200

His two-man pick-and-roll game with Gasol as the screen-setter was extremely productive. Those plays led to a Gasol jam, a pick-and-pop resulting in a wide open shot from deep for Gasol, a screen slowing the defender as Kawhi went north to south for a fadeaway jumper and the final dagger, with Kawhi shooting over Embiid to put the game away from deep. It didn’t matter what the score was, Kawhi kept his focus and was determined to get his team a win.

When Kawhi is playing at this level, it raises the production of his teammates more often than not. Leonard and his teammates Sunday afternoon were able to produce at this level and were victorious. Continuing this level of play, while hopefully draining more wide open looks from outside, will mean the Raptors have a real chance at winning out in this series.