Kawhi Leonard began his first season with the Raptors with a laugh, so strange it became famous. On Thursday, the star concluded the season with the last laugh.
He was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals for the second time. Toronto is the NBA champion at last, thanks in large part to a star who averaged 28.5 points in the six title series games, a win over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors.
And surely, Leonard ended the debate about who is the most complete player in basketball, taking into account offensive and defensive work.
“That’s why I play this sport,” he said. “That’s why I train.”
The “King of the North,” as Leonard is now nicknamed in Toronto, was also the playoff monarch. He became the third player to win the NBA Finals with two franchises, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.
“I think he’s the most complete player in the NBA,” Raptors guard Kyle Lowry said. “He just plays. You know, I’ve seen him do certain things this year where you just go, ‘Wow!’… You appreciate the work that you put into this. It is extremely hard work to improve your game and to put your body in top condition. And he loves basketball. “
Maybe you like it better after what happened on Thursday.
After missing much of the previous season with a leg injury, some questioned how committed Leonard was to the San Antonio Spurs. He was traded to Toronto, and climbed back to the top.
On Press Day, prior to the season, it was when he let out a fake laugh, when he assured that he was a funny guy despite the fact that many consider him to have a stone character.
She raised her arms as soon as the match was over, screaming with joy. He even smiled slightly, as he held up the Most Valuable Trophy.
“He’s just a great competitor,” acknowledged Warriors point guard Stephen Curry.
“We respect that, for sure. He has shown it over and over again throughout this postseason. ” AP