Kwahi's defense is more entertaining to watch than a lot of player's offense, notice how he uses the help defense to perfection. The smartest player defensively I've seen along with the body type and athleticism to be a problem for anyone in the NBA.
Ovais A finally someone notices it. i tried telling ppl whos fan of 80s and 90s basketball, but all this old head just doesnt get it about playing smart and trapping your defender burning away the shot clock.
GilxSullinger He still can get better defensively. Honestly, the best man defender I've seen is Dennis Rodman. Kawhi isn't exactly at that level but he is really good. Kinda like Pippen but not as athletic.
pippen and rodman hasn't really gotten a chance to guard our new gen guard which excel in ball handling and long range abilities which is super lethal when its worked with screens . they struggled big time to guard allen iverson and kobe . i would say kawhi leonard is smarter when it comes to forcing ball handler to strong side defense and trapping . for your information trapping a ball handler is better than a blk shot . 1)you burn the shot clock and even if they receive the passed out ball , its most likely gonna be a very desperate deep behind 3 pt line shot . 2) easy to intercept the limited passing line that the trapped guy is passing which leads to a fast break. kawhi is faster than pippen but vertical leap ? i dk
It's a shame that there aren't more players who take defense this seriously. It is beautiful to watch. And this is coming from a Cavs fan, who hates seeing Leonard guarding LeBron. Dude is a defensive beast.
92 Dream Team . it will only be a hope. it is quite a difficult task to take down warriors. may be 1 game he can take away. anyway GSW is really doing amazing ball movement and cutting and young. with ISO ball as well. very difficult. you need highly talented defense. NBA also wouldn't like it. look at the crowd which GSW is able to pull.
vjay v yes I agree I think if spurs play warriors in playoffs refs would favored warrior do to fans which is sickening it should be based on the better team which the spurs are better then warriors plus kawhi drop 40 points on their bitch asses as spurs won by 29 points
Leonard is the closest thing to dennis rodman while being completely different in personality. This is what i wish there was more of in the nba just more hustle players.
Kawhi plays defense the way I was taught play up on your man with your feet use your hands when you got him engaged. For some reason people do not like to play D anymore. When someone has a ' wicked" handle, they may able to get you the first few times but if you stay up on it, you will be able to disrupt them unless they protect the ball.
Usually a lot of the guys with the wicked handles only have a few go-to moves that you can figure out over the course of the game, at least in rec ball leagues or at the gym. Like you mentioned though, if you stay on them and don' get discouraged you'll most likely start putting the clamps on them
I play defense like Kawhi u want to make it easy for yourself move your feet, use ur hands, be aggressive and play smart as a team on defense. I average 8 steals a and 10 assist game.
You're a rookie, take a look at Kawhi career he has been strongly improving season by season, just a few years in the league and already is back to back defensive player of the year, all-star, finals mvp, haves a ring on his finger on his second year in the league, just saying that took Lebron a while to accomplish. He can EASILY score down the paint, from outside, 3points, he RARELY miss free throws, hes way too good and hes just 25, im telling you this guy is going to be the face of the league in a few years, Lebron better be packing out and thinking on retirement.
Do you even watch the Spurs play? Curry is having one of the worst seasons of his career in this league. And not just that his defense is horrible. He gets steals but only because of loose balls. And Kevin Durant is only a scorer, similar to Curry is terrible on the defensive end. He's a 7 footer that cannot defend the perimeter or post for his life. The well rounded players are the best players, which is exactly why they tally up wins and championships. I mean look at the Warriors team, 2 MVP's and a team full of all stars, and look at the Spurs, It's literally only Kawhi doing anything on a nightly basis and then Lamarcus contributes too. Yet considering that The Spurs demolished the Warriors in the first game of the season and the Warriors are only 2 games ahead of the Spurs albeit with all the talent the Warriors have. So definitely Kawhi is the second best in the league.
Lex O How can you compare any defenders to Kawhi, amirite? He clearly terrifies Lebron "JESUS CHRIST" James, a player who will probably be top 4 all time (along with Jordan, Kareem, and Duncan) for most everyone once he decides to hang them up. Game respects game, btw. Lebron has stated in a radio interview that Leonard defends him the best.
I think you missed one from last years playoffs against the Thunder where Durant is running off a fastbreak towards the hoop and just as he takes the two steps to rise up and dunk it Kawhi comes from behind and blocks/steals it before Durant even leaves the ground. In fact I think KD even gave him a pat on the head after that play because of how amazing it was.
Possibly the most feared perimeter defender since Scottie Pippen. Too bad there isn't much post play anymore so we could see how Leonard would defend in the post. His defense is very much like a throwback defense to the Jordan and Pippen styles. The way he takes calculated swipes at the ball, the way the plays the passing lanes, the way he closes out and the way he lets the offensive player think he's beat but in fact goes to where he anticipates the play happening at. Leonard is such a joy to watch. Imagine if he wasn't asked to carry such a large offensive load for the Spurs, how much more havoc he could wreak on defense.
Kwahi's a beast. Raptors are going to the finals with him. Just having this guy for one year is kind of a blessing. If they win it all he might be convinced to stick around. Will he prefer to be Lebron's b*itch in LA than King of the East?
Has soon has they put Kawhi "The Klaw" on the unstoppable "Greek Freak" for defense after going down 0-2 to the bucks to start the series, "The Greek Freak" became completely neutralized and the Raps go 4-0 to win the series,.... Kawhi is only guy on the planet capable of stopping the Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals period.
@@abakella the spurs did clearly have a chance, they were up 20 or so before Kawhi got injured. Once he was injured, bam, that 20 point lead the spurs had became lost
@@abakella I'm actually a GS fan. I'm only saying Kawhi is a big factor. Those are playoff games, none are flukes. Kawhi was the spurs' superstar. You take that out of the game with a lead there, that plays in big time. Every game matters in the playoffs, think.
Hold his own is understating it. He locked Lebron down. If you see the highlights of the NBA finals, lebron got most of his points when Kawhi wasn't on him due to screens or switch ups. I'd say lebron couldn't hold his own against Kawhi
2016 duncan was too old and slow, so he needed to retire, he looked liked like an old man trying to play a pick up game, 40 years old playing starting center against thunder was dangerous for his body
3:56 See how Melo gets blocked, and literally just DOESN'T get back on D, like at all? That's just classic melo man. And people are always saying how Lebron complains a lot. Melo is the whiniest star in the NBA
he quiet, he is just like tim duncan... duncan taught kawhi well. He lets his game speak for itself. In fact, almost everyone on the spurs is pretty humble, nobody really talks about them too much and you hardly hear about them in the news. They all just let their ability speak for itself... even popvich doesnt like talking in interviews that much
Kawhi's mentality in defense is very unique.All basics in check and always keeps a good and steady balance.I wouldnt be surprised if He'll become the *BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY*
Duncan + Kawhi is just a lethal defensive combo . Leonard could play air tight D cause he knew if he gets beat Timmy's gonna make the great and timely rotation and kawhi with his athleticism is gonna get back in the play . Man i miss TD#21
This dudes hands are incredible. I mean not just his hands size but his ability to like always hit the ball, and not hands or arms or anything. I mean put any high school player in the world against kawahii and tell them to cross him over and he'll slap the ball away. He's incredible at that
2012-2014 kawhi leonard is the best defender in that moment he just made the superstar like an average players, but also watched how Kobe destroyed Leonard's defense goes to show a post prime kobe can school a young defense minded leonard.
I really hope that Kawhi stays healthy and plays at a high level. This is the players kids should watch and emulate.His help defense, and iso defense is almost perfect. Plus he can put up over 20 when he wants.
I think he can only be a great defender if he stays with the spurs system. The way coach forces opponent to weak hand or force baseline into a center defending the rim. It adds up with his on ball defense.
Kawhi is the next Jordan. He already a beast on D. He will get even better in offense than he already is. He has the best coach in the league coaching him. He almost always knows where to be on both sides of the court.
I love Kawhi as a player he's my 2nd favorite player of all time but o hate when he goes up against my #1 player Dwade and his team cause he's a head ache on offense and even more ruthless on defense but all in all one of my favorite players of all time
I honestly have troubles on offense every time i play pick up. So i always try to make up by D, and it works wonders. I don't understand why a lot of people are looking down on good D. Kawhi is a prime example of a beautiful D that can lead to an excellent offense.
Kwahi's defense is more entertaining to watch than a lot of player's offense, notice how he uses the help defense to perfection. The smartest player defensively I've seen along with the body type and athleticism to be a problem for anyone in the NBA.
Ovais A finally someone notices it. i tried telling ppl whos fan of 80s and 90s basketball, but all this old head just doesnt get it about playing smart and trapping your defender burning away the shot clock.
GilxSullinger He still can get better defensively. Honestly, the best man defender I've seen is Dennis Rodman. Kawhi isn't exactly at that level but he is really good. Kinda like Pippen but not as athletic.
pippen and rodman hasn't really gotten a chance to guard our new gen guard which excel in ball handling and long range abilities which is super lethal when its worked with screens . they struggled big time to guard allen iverson and kobe . i would say kawhi leonard is smarter when it comes to forcing ball handler to strong side defense and trapping . for your information trapping a ball handler is better than a blk shot .
1)you burn the shot clock and even if they receive the passed out ball , its most likely gonna be a very desperate deep behind 3 pt line shot .
2) easy to intercept the limited passing line that the trapped guy is passing which leads to a fast break.
kawhi is faster than pippen but vertical leap ? i dk
Ovais A
Aztec baby
OMG!!He broke James like the little kid brakes toy dear moma
That four on one fastbreak steal against Durant was cold blooded as hell. Kawhi Leonard is a defensive god
Kawhi is the Lebron curry and durant stopper
Thomas Oluwa I think you mean he's the everyone stopper
Bob Barker yeah but he's lebron and Durants kyrptonite
Payton ain't Leonard he's the best on ball defender in history
Lebron averages 27 ppg on him, how is that stopping him
And Durant exposed him in last years Conference semis
It's a shame that there aren't more players who take defense this seriously. It is beautiful to watch. And this is coming from a Cavs fan, who hates seeing Leonard guarding LeBron. Dude is a defensive beast.
kawhi is the greatest nightmare of the NBA All-Stars... ohh wait, hes an all-star also:)
He's a nightmare to himself. haha ba dum TIS
Ádám Varga Superstar******
MonSTAR
czcams.com/video/f4gigN2zMU4/video.html
KawhiNot21 he’s a fun guy hehe im out
Honestly he's the only hope to stop the Warriors.
Brauwow I think he meant currently
吳家鴻 no.
Jimmy buckets to the spurs
92 Dream Team . it will only be a hope. it is quite a difficult task to take down warriors. may be 1 game he can take away. anyway GSW is really doing amazing ball movement and cutting and young. with ISO ball as well. very difficult. you need highly talented defense. NBA also wouldn't like it. look at the crowd which GSW is able to pull.
vjay v yes I agree I think if spurs play warriors in playoffs refs would favored warrior do to fans which is sickening it should be based on the better team which the spurs are better then warriors plus kawhi drop 40 points on their bitch asses as spurs won by 29 points
Leonard is the closest thing to dennis rodman while being completely different in personality. This is what i wish there was more of in the nba just more hustle players.
polandadam98 W. Dennis Rodman was so passionate about defense. Same goes for Kawhi leonard.
he reminds me more of a Scottie Pippen than a Dennis Rodman
He looks like Pippen with those Statue of Liberty jams on the break after a steal.
Pippen offense, Rodman defense
Kawhi is better than Pippen on offense he averaged 27.5 points a game last season
Kawhi is a beast.
Patty Mills for Sixth man
& Jonathan Simmons for slam dunk contest
DeGOAT DeRozan W
DeGOAT DeRozan and u for the most biased comment ever
As much as I want Patty to win it, it's got to be Lou Williams
W
Im just like derozan when i shoot it , it goes in . - Totally didn't steal that.
Kawhi plays defense the way I was taught play up on your man with your feet use your hands when you got him engaged. For some reason people do not like to play D anymore. When someone has a ' wicked" handle, they may able to get you the first few times but if you stay up on it, you will be able to disrupt them unless they protect the ball.
Usually a lot of the guys with the wicked handles only have a few go-to moves that you can figure out over the course of the game, at least in rec ball leagues or at the gym. Like you mentioned though, if you stay on them and don' get discouraged you'll most likely start putting the clamps on them
I play defense like Kawhi u want to make it easy for yourself move your feet, use ur hands, be aggressive and play smart as a team on defense. I average 8 steals a and 10 assist game.
Sounds like a sexual innuendo lol.
That last one almost ended Curry's career
He's fuckin everywhere
The way Kawhi anticipates his opponents ever movement is incredible. The speed and reaction time he has is crazy!
Hey it’s the mma dude
W
-Evil Kawhi
+Evil Kawhi Appreciate it
Patty Thrills W
W's for Spurs Nation
KaBYE Raptors
Hey hey hey
Kawhi second best player in the league
Haos CallOfLRevengeance 1-harden
2-lebrom
3-durant
4- westbrook
5-davis
6-curry
7-kawhi
You're a rookie, take a look at Kawhi career he has been strongly improving season by season, just a few years in the league and already is back to back defensive player of the year, all-star, finals mvp, haves a ring on his finger on his second year in the league, just saying that took Lebron a while to accomplish. He can EASILY score down the paint, from outside, 3points, he RARELY miss free throws, hes way too good and hes just 25, im telling you this guy is going to be the face of the league in a few years, Lebron better be packing out and thinking on retirement.
Ytalo Rafael westbrick over kawhi ? yeeah right
Fuck KD Fuck Steph Curry I like westbrook but nah
Do you even watch the Spurs play? Curry is having one of the worst seasons of his career in this league. And not just that his defense is horrible. He gets steals but only because of loose balls. And Kevin Durant is only a scorer, similar to Curry is terrible on the defensive end. He's a 7 footer that cannot defend the perimeter or post for his life. The well rounded players are the best players, which is exactly why they tally up wins and championships. I mean look at the Warriors team, 2 MVP's and a team full of all stars, and look at the Spurs, It's literally only Kawhi doing anything on a nightly basis and then Lamarcus contributes too. Yet considering that The Spurs demolished the Warriors in the first game of the season and the Warriors are only 2 games ahead of the Spurs albeit with all the talent the Warriors have. So definitely Kawhi is the second best in the league.
5:49 that time Kawhi Leonard stole from an mavp and and dunked on a former one
Lex O How can you compare any defenders to Kawhi, amirite? He clearly terrifies Lebron "JESUS CHRIST" James, a player who will probably be top 4 all time (along with Jordan, Kareem, and Duncan) for most everyone once he decides to hang them up. Game respects game, btw. Lebron has stated in a radio interview that Leonard defends him the best.
Alex Oparaoji Agreed. Totally humiliated GS that night tbh.
opening night too. hell of a way to kick off the season..but reality sank in eventually. oh and Zaza's foot helped.
Alex Oparaoji .
Manufan909 1 Duncan top 4? Y'all people amaze me everyday.
these are not only all stars but hofs
I think you missed one from last years playoffs against the Thunder where Durant is running off a fastbreak towards the hoop and just as he takes the two steps to rise up and dunk it Kawhi comes from behind and blocks/steals it before Durant even leaves the ground. In fact I think KD even gave him a pat on the head after that play because of how amazing it was.
leonhart I remember that play, son. His best play on KD imo is easily the monster block that took 5 years off KDs life.
Leonhart nigga thunder kicked yo ass stfu
what that gotta do with the play tho lmfao
Possibly the most feared perimeter defender since Scottie Pippen. Too bad there isn't much post play anymore so we could see how Leonard would defend in the post. His defense is very much like a throwback defense to the Jordan and Pippen styles. The way he takes calculated swipes at the ball, the way the plays the passing lanes, the way he closes out and the way he lets the offensive player think he's beat but in fact goes to where he anticipates the play happening at. Leonard is such a joy to watch. Imagine if he wasn't asked to carry such a large offensive load for the Spurs, how much more havoc he could wreak on defense.
Kwahi's a beast. Raptors are going to the finals with him. Just having this guy for one year is kind of a blessing. If they win it all he might be convinced to stick around. Will he prefer to be Lebron's b*itch in LA than King of the East?
DrRestezi comment aged well
Melo : "There's nobody in the league that can stop me from scoring."
Kawhi : "Hold my beer."
Hold my laugh*
Kwahi and Draymond defensive presence is amazing I love watching them play defense it's so entertaining
Has soon has they put Kawhi "The Klaw" on the unstoppable "Greek Freak" for defense after going down 0-2 to the bucks to start the series, "The Greek Freak" became completely neutralized and the Raps go 4-0 to win the series,.... Kawhi is only guy on the planet capable of stopping the Warriors in the 2019 NBA finals period.
kawhi has really son'd everybody elses favorite player at one point in time and still continues to do so. Kawhi the goat
Had Zaza not have INTENTIONALLY hurt Kawhi, the Warriors would have gotten swept
@@abakella the spurs did clearly have a chance, they were up 20 or so before Kawhi got injured. Once he was injured, bam, that 20 point lead the spurs had became lost
@@abakella I'm actually a GS fan. I'm only saying Kawhi is a big factor. Those are playoff games, none are flukes.
Kawhi was the spurs' superstar. You take that out of the game with a lead there, that plays in big time.
Every game matters in the playoffs, think.
You need to update this every game lol
All this Told me was that Durant was the problem all along
The fact that he was able to hold his own against Lebron is mesmerizing
Kawhi>Lebron
Hold his own is understating it. He locked Lebron down. If you see the highlights of the NBA finals, lebron got most of his points when Kawhi wasn't on him due to screens or switch ups. I'd say lebron couldn't hold his own against Kawhi
anybody else hear the seagull 0:10
Vince Lombardi would be proud of this young man. The composure and poise Leonard has during tense moments is out of this world.
Kawhi knows how to make life difficult for these players never seen a player that frustrates players and opposing coaches like that
My favorite player right now!
i love how he silently goes on with his job ..even after blocking he doesn't even get hyped up .... simply amazing !!!
4:38 manliest defense i ever heard
I think he forgot to drink water
I miss this team
what I love about kawhi even when you score on him he makes every possession tough. relentless
Man we miss Duncan on defense
elisha williams Now we got Simmons blocks and Kawhi's defense
Quique S. Now you got DeFrozan
2016 duncan was too old and slow, so he needed to retire, he looked liked like an old man trying to play a pick up game, 40 years old playing starting center against thunder was dangerous for his body
@@weneedhim526 that’s why he was second in defensive efficiency rating that year ? Stfu
Thanks for the vid. Love this guys defense. He will be the last great defender the NBA will see because they'll keep changing rules to favor offense
Kawhi made Leflop look like stupid
睪海海參系沉越停 LEGOAT
I love how when he blocks someone he doesn't scream and flex on them like most players do he just gets the job done and keeps it at that
Аnd dont do flashy dunks just get the job done
3:56 See how Melo gets blocked, and literally just DOESN'T get back on D, like at all? That's just classic melo man. And people are always saying how Lebron complains a lot. Melo is the whiniest star in the NBA
They are both crybaby bitches.
best play imo was getting Melo to pass up the game winner to Calderon.
Now that's refreshing to watch!
On ball is great and being able to read defenses and predict where the ball will go.
kawhi , klay -when locked in- and tony allen make ppl remember the importance of defense in this league full of offense. love watching these dudes
His lateral movement and speed is amazing
He’s so smart, such high IQ 🧐🧐
Before LeBron goes to bed he checks under the bed for Kawhi.
nice defense idol kawhi leonard 2years defense award in nba 2014 and 2015
Clamp gahhhhddd
he quiet, he is just like tim duncan... duncan taught kawhi well. He lets his game speak for itself. In fact, almost everyone on the spurs is pretty humble, nobody really talks about them too much and you hardly hear about them in the news. They all just let their ability speak for itself... even popvich doesnt like talking in interviews that much
Nice upload
Defense like this is so cool to see ✌
One of the best defenders ever
Good feet, big hands and long arms. Great defensive player
wow this guy is a killer , he made curry looked like a lil.kid steal plus dunk wowww no words this guy is a superstar in both ends....
Kawhi's mentality in defense is very unique.All basics in check and always keeps a good and steady balance.I wouldnt be surprised if He'll become the *BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY*
My opinion he could be the greatest of all time he’s an amazing player
Duncan + Kawhi is just a lethal defensive combo . Leonard could play air tight D cause he knew if he gets beat Timmy's gonna make the great and timely rotation and kawhi with his athleticism is gonna get back in the play . Man i miss TD#21
I wish Duncan was in his prime and still playing
Kwahi and Duncan... defensive masterclass.
I miss this Spurs team.
yo this brazy patty W
This dude locking down future hall of famers. His defense is outstanding.
he is crazy man!
Welcome to the TDOT
This dudes hands are incredible. I mean not just his hands size but his ability to like always hit the ball, and not hands or arms or anything. I mean put any high school player in the world against kawahii and tell them to cross him over and he'll slap the ball away. He's incredible at that
So nice to see someone who actually plays defense
Man I still miss him
Hes almost back
it's always satisfying to see defensive-minded hardworkers shutting down media-loud diva allstars.
Thank you thank you for no shitty music. Liked and subbed!
Kawhi footwork on defence is poetry.
Yo, you got the juice now man.
2012-2014 kawhi leonard is the best defender in that moment he just made the superstar like an average players, but also watched how Kobe destroyed Leonard's defense goes to show a post prime kobe can school a young defense minded leonard.
Yup
IF YOU GOT THE HAMMER...YOU GOT TO USE IT!
I really hope that Kawhi stays healthy and plays at a high level. This is the players kids should watch and emulate.His help defense, and iso defense is almost perfect. Plus he can put up over 20 when he wants.
Notice how he doesn't taunt after blocking or stealing w/ a fast break. Just does what he needs to and gets back to his position.
DEFENSE IS LIFE
Kawhi such a big dude, when he shoots threes you can tell he gotta hold back a lot
It's so cool!!!
I think he can only be a great defender if he stays with the spurs system. The way coach forces opponent to weak hand or force baseline into a center defending the rim. It adds up with his on ball defense.
He has potential to be one of the best all time. The fact he can clamp a top 10 player like lebron and durant is crazy. He keeeps getting better
- How to Lockdown Kevin Durant ?
- Dude just use Kawhi .
underrated
I love when someone does defense like this
Wish i had kawhis humbleness
MVP caliber player the last few years.
Beast mode
Kawhi is the next Jordan. He already a beast on D. He will get even better in offense than he already is. He has the best coach in the league coaching him. He almost always knows where to be on both sides of the court.
Has a 6 minute video giving every top player hell at only age 25
My man is da best
4 years ago youtube recommended it
Kawhis so underrated
I love Kawhi as a player he's my 2nd favorite player of all time but o hate when he goes up against my #1 player Dwade and his team cause he's a head ache on offense and even more ruthless on defense but all in all one of my favorite players of all time
Gotta have respect for Kawhi
You can add the block on James harden here as well
I honestly have troubles on offense every time i play pick up. So i always try to make up by D, and it works wonders. I don't understand why a lot of people are looking down on good D. Kawhi is a prime example of a beautiful D that can lead to an excellent offense.
damn! amazing defense!
The real DPOY....💯
His side stepping is faster than people's straightforward running lmao. Such a monster