Five takeaways from Toronto Raptors commanding Game 4 win

Boardman gets buckets

Kawhi Leonard was absolutely spectacular in this game. He finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. His efficiency was even better; he posted a Trueshooting percentage of 69.3 and did not record a single turnover during the game. In short, he was spectacular.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Kawhi’s game wasn’t necessarily how many points he scored, but when he scored them.

The Raptors couldn’t generate anything offensively during the first quarter. Golden State should have jumped out to a daunting 10-15 point lead. Instead, thanks to Leonard’s 14-point performance, the lead was just one. Leonard scored 14 of the team’s opening 17 points and saved this game from getting out of hand early.

When the Raptors made their run, it was ignited by Leonard. He dropped 17 points during the third quarter, going 5-8 from the field, 2-2 from three, and 5-5 from the line. His performance during that time essentially sealed the game.

After Leonard somewhat struggled against the help-heavy, blitzing Warriors defensive scheme in the first 2.5 games of the series, Nick Nurse has done a great job of freeing Kawhi up as of late. He’s cutting off screens, moving into the gaps of the defense, and taking guys in isolation, rather than running pick-and-roll.

Kawhi needed space to work. The Raptors are giving him that now and reaping the rewards.