The Raptors may have lost against the Thunder, but they got a big plus with Kawhi Leonard suiting up. (michaelgrange)
came before the ball even went up., ready to lineup against Paul George, one of the few wings in the NBA that can match his size, talent and acumen.
As careful as the Raptors and Leonard have been over the course of the season in managing his health, it was far to wonder before the game if Leonard would be available after putting in a tough 42 minutes against George and the Thunder on Wednesday as well as a day of travel. It wasn’t like Leonard was popping with energy early on. He made a couple of uncharacteristic early turnovers – the Raptors made 12 in the first half – and some of his jumpers seemed even flatter than normal. And on his one clear path to the rim against an OKC defence that was geared up to double him, he barely squeezed in a dunk, rather than exploding up and over the rim.
But the outcome of the game was secondary. That Leonard played a heavy dose of minutes in consecutive games and looked strong doing it mattered more. For the Raptors , the playoffs are everything.
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