Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard were absolutely going at each other during game-2 of this incredible first-round series between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. Much to the delight of every NBA fan watching on during this game, Kawhi Leonard’s defensive assignment very much was KD. So yes, Durant was slated to have a rather tough night.
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Still, by the end of the night, Kevin Durant was a +10, having recorded 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks during this game, while also shooting 10 of 19 from the field (52.6%). Though, it is important to note that he went a shocking 0 of 4 from deep.
With his points tonight though, Durant earned more than a 109-123 win today. No, he went down into the history books into a special category. And spoiler alert: it isn’t the type that Leonard himself is going to very much like.
Kevin Durant is the first player to have 500+ playoff points against Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard is not a regular-season player. The man hardly ever decides to play a game in the first place. And even when he does, he plays so little that he might as well come off the bench. However, when it’s the postseasons, the man up and decides to turn into prime MJ and lay waste to the NBA on both ends. Especially on the defensive side of things.
That being said, there aren’t any players that have scored more than 500 points in the playoffs against this man… or there weren’t until very, very recently. Take at the tweet below.
Kevin Durant tonight:
25 PTS
6 REB
5 AST
2 BLK
10-19 FGThe only player with 500+ points against Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs… Durant has 600. pic.twitter.com/d1K3COR82H
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 19, 2023
“The only player with 500+ points against Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs… Durant has 600.”
Kevin Durant truly is something else. And with games still left to go in this incredible series, there is no doubt that the man is going to be building massively on it.
What did Kawhi Leonard record during this game?
In 38 minutes, Kawhi Leonard recorded a stellar 31 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals during this game, while shooting 11 of 20 from the field (55%), and 3 of 5 from three (60%). Simply put a very, very good game by Leonard.
