Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse praised Kawhi Leonard's defense on Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, noting that it was the biggest key in their Game 3 victory.
Per NBA TV, Nurse was asked about Leonard's defense on Antetokounmpo — this year's leading MVP candidate. Nurse believes that the Raptors forward's defense was key and pointed out the critical plays he made late in the game.
“His defense was probably the greatest key in the game. Not only did he play just good but he made some huge plays with some steals and rip aways and breakaways.”
Nick Nurse on Kawhi's (36 PTS & 9 REB) performance in Game 3. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zs8JYCRCCW
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 20, 2019
The Greek Freak had a rough scoring night with just 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field as well as eight turnovers. While he had 23 rebounds and seven assists, safe to say that Leonard as well as his teammates, were successful in containing him.
Leonard had an all-around performance: 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. He also had a big steal in the last two minutes of the second overtime period. It gave them a 3-point cushion and all the momentum needed to lock in the victory.
Kawhi (36 PTS) and Siakam (25 PTS) get it done on both ends late for the @Raptors!
Final in Game 3:#WeTheNorth 118#FearTheDeer 112 pic.twitter.com/K7CJny4yhG
— NBA (@NBA) May 20, 2019
Leonard, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the few players in the NBA who's a threat on both ends of the floor. In their Game 3 victory, he certainly proved that he's one of NBA's elites. After all, not all players can be good on both offense and defense. Leonard can do both. And he can do it in the playoffs — where the pressure is at its highest.
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