The 2019 NBA Playoffs are underway!
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 day.
You'll be able to see the best performance and some honourable mentions from each day, while also having access to all prior "Player of the Night" 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 111, Magic 82
Stat line: 37 points (15-22 FG, 4-8 3PT), 4 assists, 4 rebounds
The Raptors were stunned in the opening game of the series. As soon as Game Two got underway you could just feel a difference in the Raptors and their resurgence was led by none other than Kawhi Leonard.
A dominant offensive display saw The Klaw continually torch the Magic's defensive lines as they were helpless to slow him down.
Honourable mentions
Jamal Murray
Team's result: Nuggets 114, Spurs 105
Stat line: 24 points (8-12 FG), 4 assists
If you didn't watch the game you're looking at the above stat line trying to figure out why Jamal Murray is on this list. The truth is he's lucky not to have taken out the award for the day after erupting in the fourth quarter.
Murray dropped 21 points down the stretch as he went a mesmerizing 8-9 from the field to help lead the Nuggets in their stunning comeback win over the Spurs.
CJ McCollum & Damian Lillard
Team's result: Blazers 114, Thunder 94
Stat line: 62 points (22-43 FG, 7-15 3PT, 11-13 FT), 12 rebounds, 11 assists
Arguably the best backcourt in the NBA could not be stopped as they led the Blazers to the 2-0 series lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The duo torched the Thunder's defense with their scoring outbursts highlighted by end of the quarter buzzer beaters. McCollum knocking down a three before halftime, Dame doing it at the end of the third.
First CJ... now DAME! 😳🚨#RipCity | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IAyqsKGXEK
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 17, 2019
Previous winners
April 15 – Giannis Antetokounmpo