Kawhi Leonard stuns NBA world with 'filthy' no-look steal
When Kawhi Leonard was traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors, he would’ve been conflicted.
The cold Canadian winter was far from Los Angeles, his preferred destination, but at least he was away from the Spurs.
Was he going to commit to Raptors basketball after playing just a handful of games last season because of a quad injury and discontent with San Antonio?
The questions have been answered early this season, with Toronto winning their first four games.
It all continued in their fifth game as Leonard stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves and NBA fans around the world with a ridiculous no-look steal.
Anticipating a pass from Gorgui Dieng to Jimmy Butler, the unhappy Wolves star who has requested a trade away from the club, was a simple play for Leonard.
As his rival cut to the basket, the former Finals MVP dived with his back to the ball and stopped the pass with his arm.
The fact that the move paid off didn’t shock Leonard, who turned and secured the ball before looking for an outlet pass to a teammate.
OK … don't remember seeing a guy lay full out to make a steal on a backdoor cut. Kawhi comes up with the ball and biggest smile of the season tho!
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 25, 2018
Kawhi doing no-look steal. Damn that was filthy 🔥
— Rifai (@ripeess) October 25, 2018
Kawhi just got a Steal without looking 😶
— Antione Nunn 6️⃣ (@legendary_Tione) October 25, 2018
Kawhi had a no look steal… Ive never seen or heard of that
— LilTy (@LilTy_1700) October 25, 2018
Kawhi's no look steal is the play of the year.
— 444 (@nathenmikeuxl) October 25, 2018
Damn! Kawhi’s defense is so good he doesn’t need to see the ball to steal it from you. #Rtz
— Lew Hebia (@Lewbidoo) October 25, 2018
I still can't believe that Kawhi dive steal really happened. Wow #rtz
— Dan (@runshoreline) October 25, 2018
still kind of shook by that diving no look steal that kawhi did…
— hard mike (@buffetbreaker) October 25, 2018
That Kawhi no-look steal and then the dunk the next play. Just amazing instinct and skill. #raptors #rtz #WeTheNorth
— RaptorsRapUp (@Raptors_RapUp) October 25, 2018
can someone confirm that kawhi leonard had a no-look diving steal while wearing a raptors uniform and it wasn't just some fever dream pls
— Joe Wolfond (@joey_doubleyou) October 25, 2018
That diving no look steal from Kawhi was ridiculous #mvp
— Fresh Kils (@freshkils) October 25, 2018
kawhi Leonard just made the best steal I've ever seen
— drip bayless 🌎 (@jailed_steve) October 25, 2018
Lakers coach fined after ripping refs
Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton isn’t going to save his money after all.
The 38-year-old was fined US$15,000 by the NBA after publicly criticising the league’s officials.
Walton’s comments came after Monday’s 143-142 loss against the San Antonio Spurs.
Walton began his press conference by saying, “I wasn’t going to say anything. I was going to save my money, but …” before launching into his critiques about the officiating during the contest.
Walton’s main concern was that he believed the Spurs got more foul calls than the Lakers. The Spurs shot 38 free throws during the game. The Lakers shot 26.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 0-3 on the season, which may have contributed to Walton expressing his frustrations after the game.
LeBron James was much calmer during his postgame interview, saying he was frustrated the team didn’t win, but adding that he’s up for the task of getting things turned around.
James and Walton will get that opportunity Wednesday night, as the Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns. Another loss could result in more anger from Walton, but it also gets the team closer to seeing whether Kobe Bryant was really joking about coming out of retirement if the Lakers continue to struggle.
with Yahoo Sports