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Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard has unleashed what seemed to be his full superstar potential in this critical series against the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 38 points per game through four games while shooting a formidable 62%.
Teammate Danny Green, who has been with Leonard through his entire career, noted the change of scenery from a system-heavy San Antonio Spurs offense to a more instinctive Raptors flow has helped him bloom into the star he's shown to be in these playoffs.
“Probably the situation here,” Green said, when Michael Lee of The Athletic asked what had sparked thedramatic difference in overall productivity. “Also him, he’s grown as a player. He’s more mature. Another year smarter, working on his game. But I think the system, different situation has allowed him to do a little more, be himself. Take more control, more hands on, of the game.”
Gregg Popovich's system in San Antonio is well-tried and proven — and it has net him five championships, including one with Leonard as the Finals MVP in 2014.
However, coming to the Raptors has allowed Leonard to act more instinctively and develop as a scoring talent, now no longer capped by the rules of a system, but rather helped by the freedom of having the ultimate green light.
Green doesn't think the Spurs “held him back,” but rather still kept him from unleashing his full potential as a scoring machine.
“I don’t think so,” said Green. “But obviously, San Antonio is more of a system. This is more free. I think it’s a little more freedom. But you’d have to ask him. He’s pretty good anywhere. There’s a reason he’s a star, and they’re trying to pay him and recruit him anywhere in the world.”
Unlike his San Antonio days, Leonard is more assertive — and if that didn't show enough with career-highs in scoring and rebounding in the regular season — it sure is at this stage of the game.
“He’s like, ‘I know what I’m going to do. I know what we can do as a team,” said Raptors All-Star guard Kyle Lowry; the longest-tenured player on the team. “I think he just instilled the power on everybody. We’ve always had a good confidence in this team, but the way he’s taking game to the next level is crazy.”
Leonard's scoring average and his field goal percentage throughout this Eastern Conference Semifinal series are rare air — as no other perimeter player in the modern era has put up a higher scoring average of field goal percentage efficiency than he has.
Kawhi is averaging 38 PPG on 62% shooting so far this series.
Jordan averaged over 35 on 60% shooting in one playoff series.
LeBron has never done it.
Durant has never done it.
Kobe never did it.
We are witnessing truly one of the best series by a perimeter player.
Ever.
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) May 5, 2019
The Raptors and Sixers will square off in Game 5 on Tuesday.
