Kawhi Leonard dropped one of the best playoff performances in recent memory to lead the LA Clippers to a win in Game 2 of the playoffs.
After an intense Game 1, where Russell Westbrook’s defensive play in the clutch, helped Denver Nuggets get to a win, the LA Clippers secured a 105-102 win on the road in Game 2.
Kawhi Leonard had a memorable game as he racked up 39 points on a highly efficient 78.9% shooting from the field, which is unbelievable given the way the Nuggets guarded him.
Despite having all the attention on him, the two-time Finals MVP showed his talent by making 12 of his first 13 shots.
His performance helped him earn a lot of praise from the NBA community and especially his former teammate, who made an interesting comment to spark further debate.
Williams and Kawhi Leonard were teammates together with the Clippers for two years and during this time he first hand saw what the forward could do when fit.
However, picking Leonard over Larry Bird, who is a three-time NBA champion and has more laurels did not sit well with others in the studio.
Speaking on ‘Run it Back’ show, Williams said: “He reminded everybody why we consider him if not one of the top two or three small forwards in the game why he is in that conversation of all-time.”
Despite having one of the best resumes in the game, Leonard’s career has been hampered by injuries and Williams believes that is the only knock on his career.
“He hasn’t been available, but look at the injuries that he has come back from, look at the things he’s gone through to put him in the position.
“We can only imagine what it looks like when he is 100% healthy and last night was a sample size of that and what you can expect when he is standing on his two feet and he can play at this level,” added Williams.
He gave his top four all-time ranking at the SF position, but it was not taken well by his fellow crew members DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons.
“LeBron, KD, Kawhi, Larry Bird and then it get choppy from there,” said Williams.
Cousins also had a small stint with the Clippers where he was teammates with Leonard, but that did not stop him from putting others over him in the rankings.
He stated things would have been different for the former Defensive Player of the Year award winner if not for injuries.
“When it comes to Kawhi and his health if he’s healthy throughout his career, this is a different conversation.
“It’s two god levels in this, Bron and Bird, everybody else is up for debate,” said Cousins.
The panel did mention Kevin Durant and Scottie Pippen in the conversation, but their rankings was something where there was no consensus on.
Leonard certainly is in fine form and is playing basketball like many have not seen him before.
If he continues he could lead the Clippers to a championship and that could push him further up in these all-time lists.
