The Toronto Raptors kicked off their second round series against the Philadelphia 76ers with a big win. It was a statement game in which Kawhi Leonard showed up huge for the Raptors.
Leonard would score 45 points on 16 of 23 shooting, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. He was a plus 26 while on the floor. He was the best player on the court and it showed all throughout the game.
Leonard said this in regards to his big night:
“Man you know it’s great. You notice individual success and you know it just shows how much hard work I put in.”
It was evident that he was due to have a big game after his 27 points in the first half. His performance came in a big win that gives the Raptors a 1-0 series lead. It will go a long way if the Raptors are able to secure a 2-0 lead in Game 2.
Although, Leonard’s individual greatness came with some support from his teammates. Pascal Siakam went for 29 points on 12 of 15 shooting along with 7 rebounds. Those two did the bulk of the scoring for the Raptors, combining for 74 points and being the only two Raptors in double figures.
As well as Leonard and Siakam played, the team defense deserves a lot of credit for the win. The Raptors held the Sixers to 39 percent shooting from the field and did it without fouling.
The Sixers shot just 21 free throws which was a big dip from their regular season mark of 27.5 per game. That could be a big reason why a few of their key players could not get going.
Joel Embiid was just 5 of 18 for 16 points and 8 rebounds. Jimmy Butler also struggled with just 10 points on 4 of 12 shooting from the field.
It comes as no surprise though, the Raptors are currently the best defense in the playoffs. Opponents are shooting 38 percent from the field, 30 percent from deep, and average 92 points per game.
Many still do not believe in the Raptors following their early exit last year in the form of a sweep. However, this team has a different look to it and it showed in Game 1.
Brendan Abban is the owner/creator of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @Abbanbrendan or email him via [email protected].
