Kawhi Leonard's ongoing evolution now includes perfect timing.
His sense of the moment was obvious in the San Antonio Spurs' 98-96 win over the Orlando Magic Wednesday, as he hit the game-winning jumper with just under a second remaining on the clock. But it has also been more broadly evident in the way he's become the franchise-carrying star when the Spurs have needed one most.
Tim Duncan returned and played 18 minutes after missing the previous eight games with a sore knee, but neither Tony Parker nor Manu Ginobili suited up. Parker's sprained ankle made him a late scratch, while Ginobili's testicular injury (yeah...not good) will keep him sidelined for at least another month.
The Spurs are deep, tremendously coached and battle-tested. But that they needed 29 points and a last-second salvation from Leonard to beat the lowly Magic says everything about how vulnerable they are without their old-timey leaders.
That's not to say San Antonio's title chances are in any serious danger—not yet anyway. In beating Orlando, the Spurs reached 45 wins before the All-Star break, their best s ...
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Article written by Grant Hughes
Wednesday NBA Takeaways: Kawhi Leonard and Spurs’ New Stars Shining by Necessity
February 10th, 2016 by Grant Hughes Leave a reply »
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