The 2019 NBA Playoffs are heating up!
Every day from now until the end of the postseason, our NBA.com Staff will bring you one top performer following the completion of the playoff games on that night.
You'll be able to see the best performance and three honourable mentions from each night, while also having access to all prior "Player of the Day" files, as we see who can tally the most honours these playoffs.
Today's player of the day is...
Kawhi Leonard
Team's result: Raptors 108, Sixers 95 (Raptors lead series 1-0)
Stat line: 45 points (16-23 FG, 3-7 3PT, 10-11 FT), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Kawhi Leonard was a force on the offensive end in Game 1, recording a new playoff career high with 45 points on just 26 shots.
COOKED 'EM pic.twitter.com/S7CGA99R0j
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 28, 2019
Leonard started the game on fire, scoring 17 points in the first quarter on 7-of-9 shooting as the Raptors raced out to an early lead and never looked back.
With Kawhi patrolling the perimeter for the Raptors, he helped keep Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler quiet on the night, with the 76ers duo combining for 24 points on 10-of-29 shooting.
Honourable Mentions:
Nikola Jokic
Team's result: Nuggets 90, Spurs 86 (Nuggets win series 4-3)
Stat line: 21 points (9-26 FG, 0-4 3PT, 3-4 FT), 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal
After dropping a career-high 43 points in Game 6, Nikola Jokic turned it on in Game 7, with a huge triple-double, with zero turnovers.
Jokic played 43 minutes in the first Game 7 of his career and proved to be the difference as he facilitated the Nuggets offence all night, whilst doing a solid job defensively on LaMarcus Aldridge, who he held to just 16 points.
Nikola Jokic stepped up and delivered a triple-double in Game 7! 💪
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 28, 2019
📊: 21 PTS | 15 REB | 10 AST #MileHighBasketball | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9gYNdPQaqu
Pascal Siakam
Team's result: Raptors 108, Sixers 95 (Raptors lead series 1-0)
Stat line: 29 points (12-15 FG, 3-7 3PT, 10-11 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist
As much as the 76ers struggled to contain Kawhi Leaonrd, they had just as much trouble stopping Pascal Siakam.
The Most Improved Player of the Year candidate bothered the 76ers with his length in the paint and his finishing around the rim, getting his 29 points on just 15 shots.
He had 17 points in a dynamic first quarter as he and Kawhi Leonard combined to put the Raptors in control early.
THIS IS IT! pic.twitter.com/5Os5TGueVC
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 28, 2019
Rudy Gay
Team's result: Spurs 86, Nuggets 90 (Nuggets win series 4-3)
Stat line: 21 points (8-17 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-3 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal
On a night when the Spurs struggled to generate much offence, Rudy Gay was the steadying force, scoring eight of his 21 points in the third quarter as the Spurs made thier run.
Gay, along with Bryn Forbes helped get the Spurs back into the game, with his attacking mindset leading the way for his teammates to follow.
Rudy in attack mode early in Game 7 #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/CPLp4oIrgw
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 28, 2019
Previous winners
April 15 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
April 23 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
