Kevin Durant is impressed with what he's seen from Kawhi Leonard so far this season.
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Prior to the second and final matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors during the regular season, Durant told the media that he thinks Leonard is "better than where he was" pre-injury.
Leonard missed all but nine games with the San Antonio Spurs last season with right quadriceps tendinopathy.
"I think he's better than where he was," Durant told Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports. "I think he's more seasoned, more experienced and more confident in his style of play, and it translates into success with this Raptors team."
In 22 games with the Raptors this season, Leonard is averaging a career-high 26.1 points on 48.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.1 percent from 3-point range. He's also averaging 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Leonard's best game of the season came against Durant and the Warriors on Nov. 29. While Durant scored a game-high 51 points, Leonard carried the Raptors to a 131-128 overtime win with a season-high 37 points.
Leonard is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game with a bruised right hip, but Durant hopes to see him on the court.
"You can't control it," the two-time Finals MVP said. "But you still think about it. I want him to play, and I'm sure he will play."
