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Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from big win over Golden State Warriors

By Paul Taylor

Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 16: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

1) Kawhi Leonard keeps getting better on offence

As Raptors fans will be well aware, Gregg Popovich recently commented on Kawhi Leonard‘s leadership skills, or lack thereof. This led us to write about how there are many forms of leadership, including leading by example and letting your play speak for itself.

Leonard provided another such case study on Thursday night to back up his form of leadership, specifically on offence. And in a season where he is on course for a career-year in scoring, this was his best performance yet.

By the end of the game, the two-time All-Star had scored a season-high 37 points. To illustrate how much of a zone he was in with the rock, he hit three of six from downtown and made all six of his free-throw attempts.

Leonard was his usual understated self after the game, when discussing his performance. As per ESPN, he said:

"“We were able to make shots, we were able to get some stops in overtime. It’s a building block for us, and I’m happy we got the win.”"

There was no denying Leonard was hyped up for this particular game, due in large part to Kevin Durant being on the other side of the court. Back in 2014, Durant called Leonard a system player, something which the latter continues to use to motivate him to this day.

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