NBA 2018-19: 3 takeaways as Raptors beat Sixers

#1 Big game Kawhi

Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard never fails to deliver in a big game. It was just another game, another night for Kawhi who was dialed in from both offence and defence. He provided big numbers with 36 points, nine rebounds and five steals on 13-24 shooting. Eager not to give the Sixers any chance of getting ahead, he was constantly drilling in shots, be it from the arc or inside.

Most of all, the former DPOTY proved why he's still one of the league's best two-way players by coming up with crucial steals and breaking the Sixers' momentum. The visitors never really recovered courtesy of the Raptors' effective defence, powered by their franchise player.

The fact he was coming off the back of a 27 point, eight rebound losing effort against the Denver Nuggets - the Western Conference leaders - any worries Raptors fans might have regarding his potential to play in big games and deliver is premature.

Over the course of 20 games this season, Kawhi is averaging 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Shooting 49.1% and 36.2% from behind the arc, he's already one of the leading contenders in the MVP race.