Definitely, Kawhi Leonard was the MVP for the Spurs and the Warriors, in Game 1. Because of the strong play of Leonard, the Spurs were blowing the Warriors away at home. After he went down with that ankle injury, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant made quick work of the Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard has had an unusual journey to NBA stardom. He began as a role player for the Spurs, when Tony Parker was the clear leader of the team, taking the reins from Tim Duncan. Then, in 2014, Leonard showed up big in the Finals and the Spurs became “his” team in 2016.
The first season without Tim Duncan saw Kawhi Leonard lead the Spurs to a 61-21 record. Taking the second seed, the Spurs did in the Grizzlies and Rockets in six games, apiece, although Kawhi didn’t play Game 6 vs. Houston. But, his dominating play against the Warriors in Game 1 didn’t last, as he got hurt, dirty play or not, and he’s sitting Game 2 out.
Source: NFL NBA Daily
