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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 things to watch for vs. the Toronto Raptors

By Trey Flynn

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena on October 22, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Kawhi Leonard is marvelous on both ends of the basketball court

Before I begin, think for a second what the San Antonio Spurs got back for Kawhi Leonard in DeMar DeRozan. Now, think how much better Jimmy Butler is than DeRozan, and you’re telling me that …

Never mind.

Leonard is averaging 25.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists shooting 45.9 percent from the field and an astonishing 46.7 percent from three. Jimmy Butler will most likely take on the task of guarding Leonard at all times, and that match-up will be insane to watch.

Kawhi has the upper-hand on Jimmy through their seven games played against one another in their careers, Leonard winning four of those seven.

While they weren’t always guarding one another, in the past few years it’s been apparent that they tend to find one another at the tail end of games when you need your best defender on the opponents best offensive player, and it so happens that they both are one of a kind at both ends of the court.

Kawhi has dominated Jimmy in their last two bouts together, holding Butler under 40 percent from the field, and moreover Leonard shooting over 50 percent from the field himself. The claw isn’t afraid of JB, but I would think that JB isn’t too fond of Leonard himself.

Butler is arguably having a better season than Leonard (small-sample size). Furthermore, Butler wants to be traded as soon as possible – I’m assuming you see the correlation – showing up against a top-ten player in Kawhi could tip the scale in Minnesota’s favor to get a great return via trade in the foreseeable future.

Our next slide is more of a “hope” than anything.

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