The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 despite a below-average performance from Kawhi Leonard. The most dominant individual force of the playoffs was more set-up man than primary scorer on Thursday night, and never got comfortable shooting from mid-range. It speaks volumes of Leonard's ability that he proved so integral to his team's success regardless, finishing with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while affording his teammates extra room to work offensively due to the Warriors routinely double-teaming him and sending an extra defender to the strong side of the floor.
An errant mid-range jumper, the Warriors' defensive attention, and the individual efforts of stellar defenders like Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson weren't the only factors that kept Leonard in relative check. The Raptors superstar seemed a half step slow in Game 1, lacking the burst and bounce that's made him such an impossible cover throughout these playoffs due to nagging discomfort in his left leg stemming from midway through the Eastern Conference Finals.
The good news? Toronto coach Nick Nurse downplayed the extent of Leonard's injury on Saturday, predicting he'd be “better” in Game 2.
“I don’t think the leg issue is a big issue and I expect him to be better tomorrow,” Nurse said of Leonard, per Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported before Game 1 that Leonard was suffering from tendonitis in his left knee after compensating for pain in his leg relating to the undisclosed injury he sustained in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was clear in the succeeding games against the Milwaukee Bucks that Leonard's level of discomfort fluctuated on a daily basis, but he was still effective enough to lead the Raptors to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
Game 2 is on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Follow Us
Subscribe
