Kawhi Leonard ran into the wall Luguentz Dort

Before returning to the locker room, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is logically claimed for the post-match TV interview. Author of 31 points in the victory over the Clippers floor, the Thunder player is not the only one to benefit from this honor. His teammate Luguentz Dort is also invited to the exercise.

And “SGA” logically only has good things to say about his teammate. ” That’s why he’s paid so much. He has a specialty, he uses it every night and we win matches thanks to that. It’s the little things we need, it’s no surprise to us “, develops the star of the Thunder compared to the defensive strength of his partner.

He demonstrated this throughout the game, but in particular on the last possession of a match that ended on a point difference. There are precisely 24 seconds left when Kawhi Leonard picks up the defensive rebound and goes up the leather. His team has no more time-outs. Tyronn Lue has just lost his last joker after a losing “challenge” after a disputed ball under the circle between Russell Westbrook and Lu Dort precisely.

Kawhi Leonard frustrated and annoyed

Rather than push in transition, “The Klaw” decides to slow down to shoot at the last moment. On condition of getting rid of the pressure of Lu Dort…

” It was him and me, alone. I had to be smart, not foul and stop it “, Describes the Thunder player, who has not “switched” with Josh Giddey on the screen of Marcus Morris.

Lu Dort stayed in the Clippers superstar’s legs until the end and despite a lot of dribbling, the latter failed to create a good shot, before sending a desperate shot, finally too late, which was somehow missed. ” He was true to form on the most important possession of the night, and that’s what we expect of him, that’s what we know he’s capable of. », still greets Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Kawhi Leonard (21 points at 7/16) also goes there with his compliment to his opponent, but also points to the lack of “spacing” of his team on this possession. ” I take responsibility, I should have gotten a shot. But we gotta be better “, Points out the Californian, visibly aiming for the positioning of Russell Westbrook, which allowed the help of Jalen Williams and prevented him from getting his favorite spot.

Quite annoyed after the buzzer, as rarely, Kawhi Leonard had made a first gesture of the hand in the direction of Marcus Morris, then a second towards his leader. “The Klaw” probably wanted to trigger at the head of the racket, on the right. But the placement of the Clippers and the physical density of his opponent prevented him.

A scene that his coach loves to see

” It is the experience. I have experienced these situations many times. I watch a lot of footage, so I basically know the tendencies of the players at those times in the game. And many players want to fake to get the foul remarks Luguentz Dort, who says he was made a name in this league thanks to his defense. ” She will always be there, whether it’s a good or a bad evening at the shooting level “, Continues the winger, author of 7 points to 3/11 on shots (including 1/8 from afar…).

” I saw it (do that) in Denver against Jamal Murray, in Dallas against (Luka) Doncic, in the playoffs against (James) Harden for seven games in a row. It’s like when ‘Men of Honor’ comes on TV and you watch the court scene again. I will watch it everyday “, compares the cinephile Mark Daigneault.

Kawho Leonard, Jamal Murray, Luka Doncic… And his defense on “SGA” then? ” Lu would never do such a thing to me. I know him too well “, slides a teasing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with a smile, before concluding: “ But seriously, Lu is top of the league at what he does, we all know that. It’s a gift, that’s for sure. I am happy to have him every evening by my side. »