As he has been throughout the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard was the difference-maker for the Raptors in Saturday night’s Game 6, prompting president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri to label him
TORONTO — After the confetti fell on the Raptors, fresh off of their 100-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night that sent Toronto to the NBA Finals for the first time in history, president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri was asked on TNT’s telecast how the trade for Kawhi Leonard turned out.
«He’s the best player in the league,» Ujiri said, as the sellout crowd inside Scotiabank Arena — all 20,478 of whom were still in their seats — roared in approval.
«And we’re happy he’s in Toronto.»
Just as he has all throughout these playoffs, Leonard was dominant again in Game 6, finishing with 27 points, 17 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks to lead the Raptors to a fourth straight victory over the Bucks, as Toronto — the team that has fallen short so many times over the past few years — finally had its day in the sun.
It did so because of the trade Ujiri swung for Leonard last summer, sending out franchise icon DeMar DeRozan — along with Jakob Poeltl and a first-round pick — for the superstar forward, plus Danny Green. After the Raptors had seen their season end three straight seasons at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ujiri was determined for things to be different.
And, thanks to Leonard, they are.
«I don’t really judge my game like that,» Leonard said, when asked about Ujiri’s comments. «I’m more of a team aspect, see what my team is doing [guy]. I just want to win. I don’t care about being the best player. I want to be the best team. I’ve always said that.
«Before the season, when we made the trade, Masai felt that way about me. He told me how he felt, and why he made the trade.
«It’s turning out well now. We’re in the Finals, and we’re not done yet.»
It looked as if this would be a very different outcome late in the third quarter, when Toronto was trailing 76-61 and the crowd was all but silent.
