“They motivate me” - Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard highlights Kris Dunn’s contribution to his incredible defensive play in Game 3

Game 3 of the playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets was officially 'a Kawhi Leonard show'. The Clippers’ guard attributed his performance to teamwork, especially mentioning Kris Dunn while analyzing his game. Leonard got some surprising advice from the rival Nikola Jokic, who was in a protective mood while talking about this iconic player from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard put up a great show in the Los Angeles Clippers - Denver Nuggets Game 3. Still, he humbly attributed his performance to the team’s cohesiveness and the immense support he gets from his teammates. Appreciating the Clippers’ squad’s contribution in shaping his performance, he said:
“There’s guys on the floor that want to guard. They’re just not just pointing at me asking to guard… they motivate me defensively. Especially, Kris Dunn.”

Such humble words from the Clippers’ guard reflect his grounded approach to the game. It is worth noticing that Kawhi Leonard shows a very different side when he plays the playoffs.
Rising above the injuries and other challenges, he has managed to single-handedly take the team further in the playoff games at times. In the wake of those instances, giving credit to the team effort shows Leonard’s greatness as an able team player.
Another Clippers’ player, Norman Powell, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Leonard in Game 3, appreciated Leonard’s mental resilience and the ability to rise above the challenges he faces due to his fitness issues. He said:
“I admire his mental fortitude and toughness through it all. He’s never too high, never too low. I try to emulate that mental toughness from him.”
Kawhi Leonard was also praised by head coach Ty Lue and other significant NBA figures, who were in awe of the star guard's playoff performances.

Basketball rivalries are not unknown to anybody. In such a competition-led game, when a player receives support from a rival, it makes the headlines. In Game 3’s after-game presser, Kawhi Leonard’s performance was lauded by rival Nikola Jokic, who said:
“He’s not supposed to care what other people think about him. He’s a champion, he’s a special player. He’s definitely a unique player. If I’m in his skin, I would definitely not give a damn.”

Nikola Jokic’s praise showed the impact that Leonard has on his team and rivals. Leonard’s incredible performance in Game 3 featured 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in 31 minutes. Such a brilliant statistics fetched him the 27th spot among the top scorers in NBA Playoffs history. He surpassed Klay Thompson and James Worthy to achieve this milestone.
Also Read: “That’s all that matters right now is collecting these W’s”: Kawhi Leonard Reflects on Los Angeles Clippers’ Dominance After Fifth Consecutive Win
What do you think of Kawhi Leonard’s team mentality and incredible performance as the Clippers’ defense? Share your thoughts in the comments.