The REAL Reason Why Kawhi Leonard Is SO Good in the NBA Playoffs (Ft. Raptors, Jordan, NBA Finals)

Kawhi Leonard got the Raptors to the NBA Finals against the Warriors, but why has Kawhi been so good in the playoffs? Can the Raptors beat the Warriors? #Kawhi #NBAFinals #NBA
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Everything that Kawhi has done in these playoffs can be summed by this. Kawhi’s run has been amazing and now he’s led the Raptors to the NBA Finals. I expected Kawhi to lead the Raptors on this type of run, but still witnessing this and how he has single handedly carried the Raptors, he’s incredible. It seems like it’s a rinse and repeat every play with an iso, but there’s so much more going on and also so many specific things that only Kawhi can do so let’s talk about what makes Kawhi Leonard so good.
Forget the regular season. This is playoffs Kawhi, and I just felt like I’ve seen a lot of the similarities before in another GOAT, Michael Jordan, but before we even get to that, let’s talk about what Kawhi is doing offensively and how that could possibly close to Jordan.
The Raptors are constantly running an iso for Kawhi and the reason it’s so effective is because Kawhi is an effective iso scorer. He runs a limited move set, mostly hesitations and in between the legs, similar to a 3 dribble drill where you only get 3 dribbles to score. He doesn’t waste dribbles or have fancy handles, but each dribble works because Kawhi is great at reading defender’s feet. He is looking for the defender to be hopping instead of staying low and shuffling. That where his hesitation dribble can easily transfer into a jumpshot, at the exact moment a defender crosses over his feet or hops. He has a smooth transfer from waist high to the apex of his shot while using the momentum of the hesitation. His release point is so high with his 7 foot 3 wingspan makes it even more lethal. On top of that, he looks to open the defender’s front foot and blow by. The Bucks were guarding his right hand, and his series of jabs and handles was all to open up that front foot and drop it back. Once he could do that, he could do his patented stepback. Now Kawhi creates space for his midrange with raw leg strength.
All of what I mentioned takes years of practice and hardwork and Kobe said that Kawhi came into the league with no jumpshot and would always be in the gym early shooting whenever Kobe played the Spurs. What I’m about to talk now is something that Kawhi has that takes his game to the next level and that is his huge hands. These hands were previously looked at as a defensive weapon that allows him to just grab the ball from the defender.
For context, Kawhi Leonard’s hands are the 9th biggest hands in NBA history at 9.75 inches length and 11.25 inches width. The reason why he has been able to time those jumpers so well is because he can palm the ball straight from the hesitation into the jumpshot. If the defender doesn’t make a mistake, then Kawhi doesn’t have to take a jumpshot and let the ball fall to continue the dribble.
Another big thing that Kawhi has shown in just these playoffs is his passing with multiple defenders on him, but more importantly, it’s not predetermined and it’s his hands that’s allowing him to do that.
So after illustrating all this, I need to make the comparison between Kawhi and Jordan. No they are not the same player, but they have similarities. For instance, remember when I said Kawhi has the 9th biggest hands of all time, well Jordan has the 8th biggest hands of all time at 9.75 inches length and 11.375 inches span meaning the same length and 0.175 inches more span than Kawhi. Michael Jordan and Kawhi have the same type of gravity on the floor. It was honestly crazy to see in this Bucks series and the 76ers series, but Kawhi drew the attention of 5 players once he was inside the 3 point line, similar to MJ.
If you want a defensive breakdown on why Kawhi is so good, that’s much easier because Kawhi’s greatest strength is on-ball defense. I could go into more detail, but I think that Kawhi can defend anyone because he can take the ball away from anyone. One thing I will say is that Kawhi is an excellent baiter. He lets the offensive player think they have a spot to go to and takes the ball away from them at their attacking position. It’s definitely something that high IQ and timing.
I’m excited to see these finals. I have loved seeing Kawhi just show how good he has become and I wanted to make sure that this video showed all the hard work Kawhi has put along with his natural gifts. But what do you think? Who’s winning the finals? What is Kawhi averaging?

[@mj2kallday]

Who's winning in these NBA Finals? Finals MVP? Follow my twitter @MJ2KALLDAY for my thoughts during the Finals.

[@christianblake3364]

MJ2KALLDAY Warriors in 6

[@6xo6hades63]

Raptors on xo in 7 games

[@6xo6hades63]

And Kawhi gets finals mvp

[@randomalpaca4882]

RAPTORS IN SOME AMOUNT OF GAMES

[@randomalpaca4882]

Kawhi for finals Mvp

[@adityarao5345]

Don't let this distract you from the fact that Jeremy Lin has more finals appearances than Chris Paul

[@MrE_]

Good

[@nic.k]

Ahahahhahaha

[@ajuxta6681]

I like the sound of that

[@hash2335]

And Carmel Anthony and Giannis and Anthony Davis and Paul George *combined*

[@M1nistersBlackVeil]

So 1

[@gemrpt26]

He is a man of focus, committment, and sheer will. Things that many players know little about. I saw him stole a ball from a player during a game and he wasn't even on the court. #Klaw

[@generalpussy8523]

Kawhi Wick

[@TheBacontarian]

Don't forget he even steals ball from own teammates

[@bernarddelossantos8083]

@@TheBacontarian i remember that one from pau gasol lmao

[@oniuqadrannek]

Then that'd be out of bounds. I know the joke. I ain't having it.

[@prankinsanetv6613]

he stole all from derozan

[@stretchbadger5630]

Warriors: America can't beat us Rest of nba: lets bring Canada

[@madisonalvarez9687]

Game 2 but I thought we was winning the warriors sweep sweep 😂😂

[@brandont860]

@JOSEMANUEL Suarez I am having a stroke trying to read that... what does it mean...

[@piochin23]

wtf did I just read lmfaoo @JOSEMANUEL Suarez

[@fcf777]

@JOSEMANUEL Suarez say what?? HINT: use punctuations

[@fcf777]

@JOSEMANUEL Suarez Habla Ingles?

[@crazyjanwil]

Its a team effort boy. Just like kawhi said

[@mariai9549]

moreso in NBA than any other sport.

[@caesars.3261]

crazyjanwil facts

[@crazyjanwil]

@Thesixth mannn let me tell you an example. James harden, an iso player, did not make a point in a well rounded gsw. But when you put harden on a team like raps (and add harden with defensive attitude, not complainin, etc) I think it will be great matchup for the champs

[@Sean-gq6vj]

maria I nah...one star can carry a team in the NBA way easier than NFL

[@tazzz69dazzermind35]

Sean Lmao.😅 That's a funny one !!! 😅😂

[@lanreakerele4375]

Kawhi Leonard is so good that he's becoming one of the greatest players in the NBA, like Jordan, Bryant, James, Shaq and Curry.

[@justinandrew5237]

Great video! Canada and the Raptors got blessed with Kawhi! #Go Raptors!

[@oskarneftel3756]

I think he didn´t carry the raptors all by himself, but built an incredible mentality and will in his team. In the Playoffs, Siakam, Lowry, VanVleet and Gasol, played incredibly good. I think Kawhi is the best player in the moment, but his team not he won the finals.

[@lyhthegreat]

single-handedly carried the raptors..i mean kawhi is good and had clutched moments but teammates like vanvleet deserves some amount of credit too right?

[@noahcool5372]

siakam

[@gaawartuom4319]

lyhthegreat no kawahi no raptors. What happened last year.

[@phantomdancer3279]

They are putting in the work now but the whole Sixers series it was basically him vs the world. Raptors started rallying behind him after game 3 vs bucks and haven't looked behind.

[@feelcollins4358]

He single-handedly brought back the Raptor's confidence to be accurate, last year Bron destroyed Derozan's Raptors. If they had Kawhi then it could've gone either way because we've already seen Kawhi lock down prime Bron.

[@cpjj89]

You must be skip Bayless in disguise lol

[@Luh8ball]

Last time I was this early Kawhi was still on the Spurs...

[@elijahbruhh4939]

180 Mikeyyy fuck off

[@imafunguy936]

Pretty old. Surprised this comment still get likes...

[@lameloball1235]

180 Mikeyyy Gay

[@Bozo_Lobo]

Omg ur so funny 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Luh8ball]

@@imafunguy936 salty...

[@dyeph104]

Kawhi all the way! Fanboy since spurs era ..fundamental, minimal moves, defensive player, and makes easy for him to create shot.. 💪 Humble as always!

[@christianblake3364]

1:57 Jordan and Kawhi look exactly the same, that’s crazy 😱

[@nathandrake3724]

Christian Blake yeah I was shook

[@growthdevelopement9237]

Gave me a lil chill 😰

[@vashx_x9931]

Because kawhi's mentor is kobe...and kobe copied his Idol MJ...

[@MrEkin03]

Yeah but Wizards MJ

[@xXXdaniel210xXx]

@@vashx_x9931 shut up lol that's false information

[@lmusjxlfpek2436]

Legend has it that Paul George is still saying that Lillard’s 37 footer is a “bad shot”

[@alikhaled844]

Kawhi is ehehaaaahing his way to the championship

[@hash2335]

Ehahaahuehaaue

[@raishin6095]

This is the best breakdown video about Kawhi that i've seen, great job really

[@leonide8683]

Bro Kawhi has gigantic hands of course he can single-handedly carry the Raptors

[@kingleeq4561]

Wow.... you must not know basketball the TEAM NAME is RAPTORS not raptor smh yall really need to chill with this mentally it makes you all Look dumb honestly

[@delawareelite69]

Just the east run from kawhi made by my alone (not talking finals) was some of the greatest individual ball I have ever seen

[@Blcokhead753]

Link to video of Kobe breaking down Kawhi's play?

[@roland3402]

Kawhi carried a whole country to the Finals

[@melindaquick2221]

Your videos are awesome kawhi is one of the best players in the NBA

[@craigfortnite5893]

NOPE

[@mlr3188]

@@craigfortnite5893 he THE best

[@fcf777]

@@craigfortnite5893 LOL!

[@kermitthefrog3775]

@@craigfortnite5893 Your a warriors Bandwagon Lmao

[@redconsciousness2090]

Kawhi worked out with Kobe few years back and ever since then he became a beast on offense

[@herbyoung2767]

I seem to remember Kawhi working out with LeBron this past offseason.

[@elvis4032]

Carrying the Raptors? They are winning with good ballhandling. Can't discount the efforts of Siakam, Lowry, and Van Fleet

[@marianoclerici3986]

No mention of Gasol and his impact?

[@dominoherrero7110]

those guys have open shot because kawhi grab the defense then kawhi very good rebounder very good in defense AND MOST OF ALL HE HAVE THE ABILITY TO SCORE 10 POINTS IN JUST 3 MINUTES

[@TocloseamI]

elvis403 and Ibaka

[@Andychangftw]

Another awesome vid bro! And I don't even watch bball. Your channel is just such an inspiration for my own that I literally study all of your top vids and figure out how to apply them to the NFL. Thank you so much for your support MJ2K!

[@nathandesousa7185]

Dude, you're edits are fooking legendary

[@joelbuckmiller8498]

Is it just me or do the raptors have an amazing supporting cast, vanvleet, Lowry, siakam went crazy In game 1, Marc gasol has been performing too

[@lightskinken5856]

that's for being my news reporter for basketball I'm gon to be sad when the finals over because there is not going to be nothing for u to talk about doing the summer love your vids bro ❤❤❤

[@marlorosit1190]

Bro 5 ads in one video? you must be rich now.

[@Laid2Sleep]

Shawnaldo75 link for app?

[@pepo6049]

@@Laid2Sleep only for pc

[@thisiswar718]

KZbin vanced = no ads ever

[@tellsteveharveyidontwanthe2283]

Embiid crying and Giannis walking away killed me😂

[@sfvirgo]

He make the whole philly look soft right there... The media was like there it is😂😂😂

[@izukumidoriya745]

(True colors song playing)😿😥😭🎤

[@RLStupidityPerson]

Warriors: You can't Defeat me. America: I know, but He can. *Canadian flag*

[@smartomarplustax]

Also I was ready to see Kahwi in the finals and I knew it was going to happen but witnessing it is just amazing

[@thinzki44]

He is another Mr. Fundamentals but a SF version.

[@jonibeeter3288]

Warriors entered the chat and started taking notes 📝 🧐

[@critique7767]

Thats grown mans strenght brother 💪💪💪thats separates him from midgets in the nba who are all hype.💪💪💪

[@guyslifehacks5179]

Awesome content man

[@_luhhtrey]

Raptors is goona win the finals anyone else think so

[@firefrogy9908]

Guess what you were right.

[@penguin2362]

@Wazzuppp Nigga facts. We were up next.

[@rhodaarthur7690]

THEYY DDIIIIIDDDD🥳🥳🥳

[@rdj441]

They did my guy

[@eric37979]

Yeah they might

[@itsdashoes]

Great analysis MJ2kallday. You've won a subscriber

[@mcjaywalka]

Lol the adlibs from far away are gold 😂 “He’s a DEMI-God!”

[@ruturajpatil4797]

This is a great, insightful vid. Way to go. Best point was how he uses a switch with the big man to get an easier fade away shot. Many guards can't do this because their release isn't high enough. BUT NOT THE CLAW

[@alexzarenda3641]

0:23 “he is the most like Jordan” *fined for tampering*

[@BonestheOfficial]

by far the best nba you tube channel love the commentary..keep up the good work..and to the 90% who watch without subscribing.. come on bro...hit that button

[@VFXPlug17]

Preach

[@fortnitemobile1513]

Congrats on 200k been here since 24k

[@Laid2Sleep]

OG Guy liar lol

[@fortnitemobile1513]

Blair Patterson nah it’s true I watched his channel a lot

[@Ricky_Bobby2314]

Interesting! All this talked about him now but when he was with San Antonio he wasn't on anybody mind 🤔🤔🤔

[@realone3602]

Yep im a Spurs fan. I been called him being great from his rookie year. People was hating and down playing his talent until the drama in San Antonio. Everybody want him on they team now.

[@adriankenton8913]

Cause he made his name bigger in Toronto Toronto is more popular city than San Antonio

[@elijahfullerton6201]

This is how many words Kawhi will say during the finals 🔽

[@growthdevelopement9237]

Elijah 03 I wanted to like this... but I don't think he'll say more than 18 😌😂

[@MrWarrenRB]

Holy hell this was a great analysis

[@zacharyliu8029]

Kawhi has a very goo iso but the warriors are built to defend them. Nobody can beat Drayomond's IQ in basketball and Steph has been a GOD lately. I'm sorry Raptors but the warriors are gonna take this one because Kerr can definitely coach. Paul Pierce also said that the Raptors will win.

[@DAEDAEANT]

You could just say that last point and we'd understand since the basketball gods love proving Pierce wrong in every way

[@youngbulldgt]

hmmm look how that turned out....

[@DCwarrior3]

Raptors had an amazing team. It was a team effort which is why this team was one of the more entertaining teams in the playoffs. Ibaka, Lowry, Pascal, Vanvleet, Powell, all great players. And also Anunoby except he was injured for the playoffs

[@rickypratama4312]

They all with Demar would lose in the hands of Phily or Giannis

[@intrepidgaming-chaos4110]

So we just gonna ignore how incredible 4:00 is. The body control is amazing

[@zsoltszegedi8995]

The dude is strong as fuck

[@Norvejhon]

Congrats on 200k😊

[@jovenabdula181]

Imagine if Siakam play like Anthony Davis And Kawhi play like MJ what will Happen to the Warriors, I think they will go in the trash can😀😀😀.

[@hootnoot5640]

Congrats for 200k

[@warriorsfan362]

Congrats on 200k subs also, I got the warriors in 7.

[@bersus3725]

Raps in 4

[@viewnor]

Congratulations om 200k

[@ooshlisa714]

yall do a video because he won game clutch shot and won game 1 against the Warriors yall were sleeping on kawhi

[@davianalwaysuptoditimeagaz280]

Love the vibes you put into this video

[@ianmacario7359]

the poker face assassin is on fire... GG warriors... but this season is for the raptors...

[@Joe78751]

Thanks! Enjoyed This. I expect Popovich now knows that not supporting Kawhi when he was injured was the mistake of his career.

[@g.ijoetagz1805]

Hes nba final mvp in spurs dont under stimate the claw

[@deathfight5467]

To say Kawhi single handedly brought them to the finals is a bit of an overstatement. Besides the Sixers series and Game 3 against Milwaukee there’s been a lot of contributions from the team

[@ThePrufessa]

The point is dumbass those role players wouldn't have such opportunities if it weren't for Kawhi gravity. Did you even pay any attention to the fuckin video?

[@kennysgooglemini3004]

I mean.... “He’s a fun guy”

[@ameroddinmamangconi467]

That smile makes his enemy freak out😂😂

[@Christhedon96]

Raptors in 7 called this before the series

[@kalebboettcher3025]

Kawhi is so patient. He always gets to his spots and never rushes and takes a shot he doesn't want

[@bennorris7481]

As Draymond said there are 82 game players and 16 game players Kawhi is a 16 game player

[@callmehavoc736]

He's a 98 game player

[@Anthony-tu7vw]

Lets go!!!! 200,000 subs!!!! Congrats!

[@syriarama2565]

Damn u can literally see how coach pop reprogrammed him lol

[@CC10756]

Good work my dude keep it up .

[@litvideosreallyawesome5423]

Raptors in 6, and I don’t care if you don’t agree

[@randomalpaca4882]

RAPTORS IN 6? THANK YOU FOR BEING A LOGICAL PERSON

[@thevoiceofmetatron9053]

I do raps in 6

[@bernarddelossantos8083]

and you were right, how much did you win if you ever bet?

[@jwk4567]

Wow. Dude. Great reference on the “3 dribble drill.” You nailed it!

[@beastobrien3553]

I’m not even a raptors fan you’re so bogus for saying Kawai is the only player doing anything on the team. Pascal has been doing amazing. Marc gasol is doing good. Kyle Lowry is doing good. The raptors are a good TEAM. Kawih May be the best player on the team but not the only player.

[@justsaying2337]

Beastobrien 3 without kawhi this team barely beats Orlando in rd1 and will for sure lose to philly in Rd 2. Kawhi kept them in every series. They help every now and then but not every game. Both Lowry and Siakim showed strong signs of inconsistency and Danny green. Not taking away from the times they do step up they just inconsistent players although they great.

[@adriankenton8913]

@@justsaying2337 but what about finals game 6 when it mattered lol why didn't Kawhi win when Duncan left 16 17 and 18 they were bounced

[@adriankenton8913]

@@justsaying2337 if Kawhi stayed in the Spurs he wouldent of had another ring or mvp

[@onesneakyboi9127]

Kawhi Leonard might be the second finals mvp to lose the finals

[@PanosLP96]

Νo. It's Curry's this year. He deserves it and he will get it.

[@onesneakyboi9127]

MPS I can see him winning it, but he’s not as good as Kawhi

[@plushiephoneworld9203]

Get it

[@lorantmolnar9365]

Good video. Well put together. Was a joy to watch. Thank you.

[@spacerace1448]

When you don’t even watch but like anyway

[@muhammadthien5167]

*raptors win there first game in the finals in franchise history* MJ2K: wHy kAwHi leOnArD iS sO gOoD iN tHe nBa fInAls

[@frostwaffy]

I highly disagree to "single handedly" term. But yeah he had a really good season.

[@-__-3952]

Congrats on 200 thousand

[@nooxloader1375]

He's HUMBLE, REAL, FOCUSED, that's all you need to know

[@dakaraiwilliams4623]

He didn't carry them single handed he had Pascal Siakam Kyle Lowry Danny green Serge ibaka

[@n0trelyt764]

Dont forget FVV. He showed up in the finals

[@thunder2ray242]

Leroy Green he definitely carried raptors on the offensive end against the sixers as the they were a tough matchup for the raptors. However everyone still played top notch Defense against the sixers especially Marc Gasol in neutralising embiid when it mattered. But this chip was a whole team effort

[@lynnobial388]

Oh you forgot FRED VANVLEET hmm?

[@richardtemple4557]

ahaaahahahahahahahahah

[@adriankenton8913]

@Dave Tdon't every superstar gotta carry their team lol switch Harden for Kawhi we would still win put of here LeBron raptors were set up to win as Kawhi arrived

[@aspacebeing710]

You can tell he plays a lot like Kobe but even though hes not as quick, athletic or as good of a scorer as a young Kobe he is clutch and has the toughness and heart Kobe and MJ had

[@christopherbraune04]

1:58 that’s just scary

[@nancysherry9088]

that was exactly the report I was hoping for. those other major news networks. haters. FAKE NEWS!!! thanks so much. I subscribed.

[@photomancyexperiments4567]

The reason why he's looking like MJ out there is because he trained with one Kobe Bryant during the summer

[@A-Roddy]

I have that bell on!

[@joshuaantony1975]

I bet u ten bucks its his new balance shoes 🤪

[@spacerace1448]

Joshua Antony I didn’t even think about that 😲

[@joshuaantony1975]

@@spacerace1448 Same here. I only thought that after watching the video and looking at kawhi's kicks

[@aljenjubay5938]

A man with a simple moves,shots and dunks its him

[@bigj2752]

Kawhi leonard is a man with a lot of moves.Anywhere he can shoot and can score.Intelligent player and a superstar of 2019.

[@chrisgratton6436]

I NEED to know the name of that outro song

[@tata60561]

what is the song damn

[@kenshinhimurathebattousai6531]

Good analysis bro.. keep it up

[@kedarnarayann6878]

Make a vid on who's better, Kawhi Leonard or Steph Curry. Like so he can see it!

[@JoshuaLoganjoshuadlogan]

Wow! This is a dope video!

[@michaelallen8597]

i would like and subscribe but the 30 ads on the video makes me not want to watch anymore of your videos.

[@triniamer]

Happy 200k congrats

[@krishgarcia9899]

Spurs develop Kawhi that why he is so good now in Raptors. God bless sir 😊

[@rasaecnai]

Pop got him while he was young. He learned from the best on how to win... unlike westbrook who does not understand the art of winning at all.

[@000001willy]

Good analysis.

[@CastoBoyMania]

First, in your other video you called Kawhi a diva in regards to how he handled the injury at the spurs. Now you’re comparing him to MJ? 😂😂😂🤦🏿‍♂️

[@jelu-ol6tw]

0:27 nothing to see here except for the #1 biggest flopper in nba history it looks like he flopped himself on his face one day and thats why it looks crooked now

[@Keepmovingph1]

YES! PERFECT YOU EXACTLY EXPLAINED THE SIMILARITY OF MJ AND KAWHI.. THAT IS WHY KAWHI NEARLY TO BE THE NEXT MJ ALIKE. THE FOCUS OF FIVE OPPONENT IS ON KAWHI IN THE COURT! GO RAPTORS

[@knishi6079]

I don’t think so

[@djtoppick]

GREAT VIDEO

[@mileskxtte3160]

Yo u kinda made a video to help gsw know how kawhi plays😂🤦🏾‍♂️😩

[@ThePrufessa]

My god you are one big dummy. You do realize that teams have scouting reports that lists each player's strength and weaknesses right? The whole world knew how Jordan played too you dumb fuck.

[@LiangHuBBB]

great stuff

[@iKevinization]

hello??? Pascal Siakam is helping!