For the second time this season, Kawhi Leonard has been named the NBA’s player of the week for the Eastern Conference. He won the player of the week award four times as a San Antonio Spur, but only once before as a Raptor. He previously won it on December 3, after a 3-0 week, which included a win over the Golden State Warriors. Leonard averaged 29.3 points and 9 rebounds per game.
This week was better. Leonard averaged 30.7 points (on 53.8 percent shooting overall and 47.1 percent from deep), 8.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.3 steals, and 1 block. The Raptors again went 3-0, but without any wins over championship contenders. However, Leonard did guide Toronto to two wins with clutch performances against the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. Against the Hawks, Leonard was able to win the game almost single-handedly through his ability to steal the ball from opponents at will.
Atlanta had the lead and the ball with 30 seconds left in the game. Leonard still won it. He finished the game with six steals.
Off the court, Leonard and the Raptors appear to be gelling more than ever. Leonard and Lowry seem to be getting along famously. On the court, Leonard’s passing ability has begun to manifest itself in his highest assist totals of the year. He and the Raptors finally appear to be on the same page offensively. Leonard has proved that at his best, he is equal to any player in the league. Not coincidentally, the Raptors are on a five-game winning streak; all things are good in Raptorland.
