Kawhi Leonard Returns To Toronto Triumphantly

Kawhi Leonard returned to the Toronto Raptors, claimed his championship ring, and left with a win on Wednesday night.

Kawhi Leonard finished the match with 23 points, six assists and five rebounds. He shot 8-for-14 on the night when the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Toronto Raptors 112 – 92.

The 2018 NBA Finals MVP returned to the Scotiabank Arena for the first time since the Raptors’ historic playoff run. His 19 – 7 Los Angeles Clippers earned their ninth win in eleven games as they continue their march towards the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard received a hero’s welcome, with chants of “MVP” reigning down as he was presented with his ring.

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“I sat in the locker-room with it for a little bit (after the game),” Leonard said. 

“Just admired it and just remembered all the memories and all the hard work that went into it.”

A day earlier, Leonard explained to NBA.com that leaving the Toronto Raptors wasn’t a decision he took lightly.

“I gave [re-signing with Toronto] a big consideration,” Leonard said. 

“I took my time, I didn’t hurry up and make a quick decision, I talked to the front office in detail. It was a hard choice to make.”

“(The fans) were amazing last year. They rolled with us through the ups and downs,” Leonard said. 

“We were down every series pretty much and they stuck through it with us. They brought great energy to every game and it helped us. So that’s my thank you to them.”

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Raptors coach Nick Nurse paid tribute to Kawhi, and to the quality of the Clippers team.

“I’m going to be connected with Kawhi for life because of what we achieved last year,” Nurse said. 

“And all of us that were in that locker-room are.

“When the ball goes up, the reality is we gotta get to playing and do everything we can to try to beat a great basketball team. This is as deep a talented team as there is in the league.”