Leonard mixes high level of performance with low-key comedy
Kawhi Leonard memorably told Toronto reporters at his introductory news conference last fall that he’s a “fun guy,” sparking a million memes with his laugh.
He’s shown his dry sense of humour in the playoffs, and his matter-of-fact, post-game interviews are now must-see TV for Raptors fans.
On Thursday night, after leading the Raptors to a win over the Bucks in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference final, he was interviewed by TNT broadcaster Kristen Ledlow.
Ledlow: How do you beat the Bucks four times in a row?
Leonard: I don’t know. I haven’t done it . . . .
Ledlow: With one win away until a trip to the NBA finals, what’s this team’s mentality?
Leonard: I mean, I haven’t even gotten to the locker room yet. We just finished the game ...”
Social media loved it, with one calling him “an underrated comedian” (@nbafaction) and another tweeting “this brother is humble, and lowkey hilarious!” (@horatiofox)
His best line may very have been after a disheartening loss in Game 2 to the Bucks in Milwaukee that put the Raptors in a 2-0 series hole.
Reporter: Kawhi, where do you go from here?
Leonard: I’m going to Game 3, Toronto.
Leonard didn’t forget his Chinese fans either after Game 4, a win at the Scotiabank Arena.
Reporter: Is there any words you like to say to all the fans, especially the way you’ve played for the Raptors?
Leonard: ni hao (hello)
Sure, his numbers are historic, and Leonard’s name is being used in the same sentence as some of the greatest NBA players of all time. According to NBA.com/stats, Leonard is the sixth player in post-season history with at least seven 35-point games before the NBA final, joining Elgin Baylor (1961), Bernard King (1984), Michael Jordan (1989, 1990, 1992), Hakeem Olajuwon (1995), and LeBron James (2009, 2017, 2018).
But there’s more to the numbers. It’s the quiet confidence Leonard exudes. Fans will probably love this Leonard quote the most after Thursday night’s game against Milwaukee, putting the Raptors one win away from their first NBA final in franchise history.
“I’m not afraid of the moment, I enjoy it.”