After the Raptors got the Kawhi Leonard they needed, 76ers await a better version of Jimmy Butler
5 years, 8 months ago

After the Raptors got the Kawhi Leonard they needed, 76ers await a better version of Jimmy Butler

New York Times  

TORONTO — Drake did what Drake does, front-runner and front-row seat heckler that he is — the rap superstar and Toronto Raptors’ superfan turned a moment into a meme. Kawhi Leonard made James Ennis look silly for reaching, then morphed into a cyclone, spinning around a flailing Jimmy Butler for a demoralizing layup that led Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown to call timeout. And there Drake was, rising to applaud and tell Leonard that Butler “can’t guard you!” In the first game of a high-stakes, second-round playoff series that could go a long way toward determining the futures of two gambling organizations, no 76ers player could guard Leonard. Not Butler, a prideful competitor who was on the receiving end of many of the tough, over-the-top shots Leonard buried while scoring a career playoff-high 45 points in the Raptors’ 108-95 victory. “We’ve just got to be more aggressive with everybody on the defensive end.” In three games against Leonard as a member of the 76ers, Butler has outscored him once — 38-34 on Dec. 5 — but Philadelphia has lost those games in succession by 11, 12 and 13 points.

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History of this topic

Clippers' Leonard: Optimism Despite Knee Concerns for Opening Night
3 months, 1 week ago

Clippers' Leonard: Optimism Despite Knee Concerns for Opening Night

Associated Press  

Kawhi Leonard is planning to be in the Los Angeles Clippers' lineup for opening night unless his balky right knee prevents him from inaugurating the team's new arena. The health of their superstar once again looms large after Leonard was limited to two postseason games last season because of inflammation in a knee that has been surgically repaired twice. He …

Derrick White replaces Kawhi Leonard on US Olympic men’s basketball team
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Derrick White replaces Kawhi Leonard on US Olympic men’s basketball team

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — USA Basketball intended to bring Kawhi Leonard to the Paris Olympics. “He wanted to be here like all these guys want to be here,” USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill said Wednesday night about Leonard. White — a second-team All-Defensive selection after this past NBA season, meaning he’ll clearly take some of the on-ball defending duties that …

Even without Kawhi Leonard, Team USA defeats Canada in exhibition
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Even without Kawhi Leonard, Team USA defeats Canada in exhibition

LA Times  

Before Team USA took the court to meet Canada in an exhibition game Wednesday night, the story of the day was about Kawhi Leonard being sent back to Los Angeles from training camp because he wasn’t healthy enough to compete in the Paris Olympics. “We just felt it was in our best interest, but also the Clippers’ and Kawhi’s best …

Kawhi Leonard to miss game against Kings because of sore knee
9 months, 1 week ago

Kawhi Leonard to miss game against Kings because of sore knee

LA Times  

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard returned to Los Angeles on Monday to receive treatment on his sore right knee. Clippers All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard has a sore right knee and will miss the game Tuesday night against the Sacramento Kings, coach Tyronn Lue told reporters at the team’s shoot-around earlier in the day. “But yesterday was when we found out.” Lue …

‘Deflated’ Clippers cross fingers Kawhi Leonard can play in Game 4
1 year, 8 months ago

‘Deflated’ Clippers cross fingers Kawhi Leonard can play in Game 4

The Hindu  

Clippers coach Ty Lue seems to know the playoff fate of his Los Angeles team hinges on the health of Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers lost 129-124 in the first home game in the best-of-seven series and face a cliffhanger around Leonard’s status for Game 4 on Saturday. I feel bad for him.” Director of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said Leonard …

Kawhi Leonard is back to lift Clippers’ expectations: ‘With him … we’re a different team.’
2 years, 1 month ago

Kawhi Leonard is back to lift Clippers’ expectations: ‘With him … we’re a different team.’

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — After a pre-shootaround workout Thursday morning, the Clippers upgraded Kawhi Leonard from out to questionable, and later announced him as a starter against the Pistons. When asked when he knew Leonard would be coming back, Jackson responded, “When I heard, ‘At 6-foot-7, from the I.E., Kawhi Leonard.’ That’s when I knew, that’s when it was sure for …

Kawhi Leonard on the verge of returning for Clippers, but will he be the same?
2 years, 1 month ago

Kawhi Leonard on the verge of returning for Clippers, but will he be the same?

LA Times  

Kawhi Leonard is on the verge of a return after the Clippers upgraded the status of their All-Star wing to questionable to play Thursday against Detroit. After surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in July 2021 and missing all of last season, Leonard shouldered high expectations entering this season, with the Clippers planning to slowly build up his …

The Kawhi Leonard return mystery follows the Clippers into Texas
2 years, 1 month ago

The Kawhi Leonard return mystery follows the Clippers into Texas

LA Times  

Clippers guard John Wall, center, and forward Kawhi Leonard, right, sit on the bench during a 122-106 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. I’m always going to tell you the truth.” Lue was forthcoming about the Clippers’ John Wall, saying, “Yessir,” when asked whether the point guard would play at Dallas after he sat out against Houston because …

‘You wanna get games under your belt’: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers ready to start season
2 years, 2 months ago

‘You wanna get games under your belt’: Kawhi Leonard, Clippers ready to start season

LA Times  

The Clippers’ starting point guard for Thursday’s season opener against the Lakers? … You might not get the same touches, you might not get the same minutes, so just having the sacrifice and understanding that, we got one common goal, that’s to win the game, and try to win a championship.” Leonard and point guard John Wall, who will play …

NBA 75: At No. 34, Kawhi Leonard’s hard work and singular focus has made him an all-time great
3 years ago

NBA 75: At No. 34, Kawhi Leonard’s hard work and singular focus has made him an all-time great

New York Times  

The last time Kawhi Leonard played in a basketball game was Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz. “I don’t care about the Western Conference finals,” Leonard said with the Clippers two wins away from the star-crossed franchise’s first-ever conference finals appearance. Like, ‘You’re going to be the guy now, because Timmy is getting older, …

Kawhi Leonard reminds former coach what he’s all about in Clippers win
3 years, 11 months ago

Kawhi Leonard reminds former coach what he’s all about in Clippers win

LA Times  

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots over Indiana Pacers guards T.J. McConnell and Malcolm Brogdon during the third quarter of the Clippers’ 129-96 win Sunday. Two nights after the Clippers heeded coach Tyronn Lue’s challenge to put a stop to what had become a trend of a leaky second-half defense through a dominant third-quarter display in Sacramento, the team outscored Indiana …

Raptors thank Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green after LA moves
5 years, 6 months ago

Raptors thank Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green after LA moves

The Hindu  

Toronto Raptors sent "nothing but good wishes" to Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green after they agreed moves away from the NBA champions in free agency. Both stars played key roles in the Raptors' 2018-19 success, with Leonard the NBA Finals MVP, but the two will move on ahead of next season. "We are very thankful for the year Kawhi and …

NBA: Kawhi Leonard taking time 'before deciding next move'
5 years, 6 months ago

NBA: Kawhi Leonard taking time 'before deciding next move'

The Hindu  

Kawhi Leonard’s free agency decision may not come for a few more days. The star and his representatives “are going through the process and taking their time before deciding the next move,” according to a report from The Athletic. The Lakers believe they're “firmly in the lead” to land the star because of the “recruiting efforts and assurances made on …

Teams interested in pairing Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler
5 years, 6 months ago

Teams interested in pairing Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler

The Hindu  

There’s a chance Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler end up playing together next season. Leonard has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Raptors but is “seriously considering re-signing” with the team, according to Yahoo Sports. “Hopefully I’ll get a max contract anywhere I choose to go,” Butler told reporters about his free agency last month. …

NBA Finals 2019: Kawhi Leonard revels in Raptors' success
5 years, 6 months ago

NBA Finals 2019: Kawhi Leonard revels in Raptors' success

The Hindu  

Kawhi Leonard reveled in the Raptors' first NBA title after beating the Warriors in Game Six on Thursday. The Raptors completed a 4-2 series win in the NBA Finals courtesy of a 114-110 victory at Oracle Arena. Leonard became just the third player to win the Finals MVP with two different teams, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James, having also …

NBA Finals: Kawhi Leonard reacts to Kevin Durant's injury
5 years, 6 months ago

NBA Finals: Kawhi Leonard reacts to Kevin Durant's injury

The Hindu  

Raptors star Kawhi Leonard offered some sympathy for Kevin Durant after the Warriors forward left Game 5 of the NBA Finals early with yet another injury. READ | Kyle Lowry unimpressed with Raptors fans' reaction to Kevin Durant injury "We work so hard to either play in the Finals or just play in the NBA, and when you're not playing, …

Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard credits load management for NBA Finals run
5 years, 7 months ago

Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard credits load management for NBA Finals run

The Hindu  

Kawhi Leonard said he would not be leading the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals if not for the team's load management. Former San Antonio Spurs star Leonard suffered a serious quadricep injury in the 2017 playoffs, which affected him throughout the following season. However, once San Antonio traded Leonard to the Raptors last offseason, it trusted the 2014 NBA …

Warriors Taunt Drake Near Locker Room After NBA Finals Victory
5 years, 7 months ago

Warriors Taunt Drake Near Locker Room After NBA Finals Victory

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson couldn’t resist. The two Golden State Warriors stars spotted Drake after the W’s had just evened the NBA Finals against host Toronto at a game apiece Sunday. “See you in the Bay, Aubrey,” Thompson said, using Drake’s birth name. Drake, known for his courtside antics, lightheartedly trolled Warriors sharpshooter Steph Curry in …

Raptors' Leonard calls Toronto experience 'special'
5 years, 7 months ago

Raptors' Leonard calls Toronto experience 'special'

The Hindu  

Kawhi Leonard has expressed his gratitude to the "special" Toronto fans as the Raptors bid to win a first NBA title. Read | Pascal Saikam-inspired Raptors take Game One "When you come in as a rookie, you're trying to stay in the league and you don't know what the league is about or if you're going to stick. "Obviously, it's …

NBA Playoffs 2019: Kawhi Leonard leads Toronto Raptors to gritty overtime win over Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3
5 years, 7 months ago

NBA Playoffs 2019: Kawhi Leonard leads Toronto Raptors to gritty overtime win over Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3

Firstpost  

Kawhi Leonard scored eight of his 36 points in the second overtime period to lead the Toronto Raptors to a gritty 118-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Los Angeles: Kawhi Leonard scored eight of his 36 points in the second overtime period on Sunday to lead the Toronto Raptors to a gritty 118-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the …

Raptors leave Kawhi Leonard with too little help, 76ers keep looking better in taking Game 3
5 years, 8 months ago

Raptors leave Kawhi Leonard with too little help, 76ers keep looking better in taking Game 3

New York Times  

All season long, the Raptors closing speed has impressed. When he’s not on the floor at all, forget about it – the Raptors own an offensive rating of 54.1 with Leonard on the bench in this series, a mark so disastrous I triple-checked it. Lowry and Marc Gasol still aren’t presenting as very open shooting threats, and it’s allowing Philadelphia’s …

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