Despite missing the Toronto Raptors' practice in the past couple of days due to illness, Kawhi Leonard says he never thought that he wouldn't be able to play in Game 3 against the Orlando Magic.
After the their crucial road win against the Magic, head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Leonard was feeling under the weather and had, in fact, missed the team's practice before their visit to Orlando.
Leonard, however, pointed out that he's feeling great after their win. He also emphasized that he never thought about his condition, saying that all that mattered to him was winning the game.
Nurse revealed Leonard's been under the weather. How's he feeling?
Kawhi: "I feel great. We won."
"It's the playoffs and we want to come out and win the game. That's all I'm thinking about. It doesn't matter what the circumstances are."
Was there ever any doubt he'd play? "No"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 20, 2019
Leonard had a hard time time against the Magic, as the team obviously focused more defensively on him. He finished with just 16 points on 5-of-19 shooting, though he found other ways to contribute with his 10 rebounds and four assists.
The three-time All-Star also admitted that he failed to convert easy shots, but he refused to blame his condition before the game and said that he is only happy to come out with the victory and give the Raptors a 2-1 series lead.
“I missed a couple easy ones that I could have made. Obviously they sent more and trapped earlier tonight. But other than that we came out with a win so that's what I'm happy about,” Leonard furthered, per Josh Lewenberg of The Sports Network.
The Raptors will hope to move closer to going to the second round when they play the Magic again on the road. Fortunately for them, Leonard is expected to be fully fit when they meet on Sunday, April 21.
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