Thursday 31 October 2019 13:44, UK
Kawhi Leonard poured in a playoff career best 45 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.
The All-Star forward made a lightning start as he scored 17 points on 7-9 shooting in the first quarter, helping the Raptors to a 39-31 lead at the end of the opening period.
The 76ers tried a variety of top defensive players on Leonard, including Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons, but neither of the trio could slow him down.
Leonard remained in attack mode throughout, and ended the game having made 16 of his 23 attempts from the floor, and 10 of his 11 free throws as the Raptors sealed a 108-95 victory.
Pascal Siakam provided Leonard's chief support as he also scored 17 first-quarter points and finished the game with 29 points.
Leonard's 45 points matched his overall NBA career high, but represented his best performance yet in the postseason.
Game 2 takes place in Toronto in the early hours of Tuesday morning (1am).
