We all know Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard is a “fun guy.”
It turns out that fun guy is looking forward to Thursday’s marquee showdown with the San Antonio Spurs as much as we are.
“It’s going to be fun,” Leonard said in an interview with Sportsnet’s Eric Smith following Tuesday’s win over the Utah Jazz. “Everybody’s anticipating the game. Things like that only get me better for the long run, so it’s going to be a good game.”
The 2014 Finals MVP spent his first seven seasons with the Spurs before a growing divide over treatment of an injury last year led to an ugly split. The Raptors jumped at the opportunity to acquire a player of Leonard’s calibre, sending franchise icon DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio in return.
DeRozan, who was never shy to profess his love for Toronto, was devastated by the trade. He’s had Thursday’s matchup circled on his calendar for quite some time now and will surely be looking for some measure of revenge on the Raptors. The four-time all-star has adjusted to his new surroundings rather well, averaging 22.9 points and a career-best 6.3 assists per game.
Leonard has come as advertised to this point, logging career-highs of 27.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game through his first 30 games with the Raptors. The 27-year-old enjoyed the best statistical performance of his career in Tuesday’s victory, pouring in 45 points on an ultra-efficient 22 shots.
Sitting at 28-11 and looking like a true title contender when fully healthy, the fun times are certainly rolling in Toronto. We’ll see if they continue on Thursday.
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