NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Toronto Raptors win over the Philadelphia 76ers

#1 Kawhi Leonard proved that he belongs atop the MVP leaderboard

Kawhi Leonard

Leonard finished with a game-high 36 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Philly just could not stop 'The Claw' as he comfortably netted five of his six shots from deep.

Although the Sixers held an early lead, Kawhi's unfazed playmaking and his ability to get wherever he wanted to on the court, no matter who guarded him, helped Toronto crawl back into the game and take control. He led the home team's late-game surge, getting Toronto an invincible 15-point cushion, highlighted by a dominant fastbreak dunk.

Leonard has been averaging no less than 26 points a game in both Toronto's wins and losses, which goes to show how cold-blooded this man can be. That's the type of composure you need when you are eyeing the NBA title and nothing less at the end of the season.

Toronto's coach, Nick Nurse, praised Kawhi after the game.

"He's an immense talent, he really is.And when the stakes go up a little bit, he's going to play his hand a little harder."