The Golden State Warriors "unequivocally regard (Kawhi) Leonard as a bigger individual problem than Houston’s James Harden because of Leonard’s impact at both ends," according to reporting from Marc Stein.

Leonard outplayed Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Eastern Conference Finals.

Leonard also was brilliant against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, culminating in his Game 7 buzzer beater.

Leonard famously had 26 points in Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference Finals before he suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the playoffs.