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If anybody can appreciate great defense, it's Kawhi Leonard. That's especially true after the Oklahoma City Thunder's 103-101 win over the LA Clippers.
In the final seconds, Leonard had a chance to hit a game-winner down one point. Panicking he couldn't get to his favorite mid-range spots against Alex Caruso, the 33-year-old quickly attempted a deep fadeaway jumper that hit the rim before Cason Wallace could come over to help and double.
Just the latest example of the Thunder's defensive domination. They sit atop most defensive stats and have sharpened one of the league's best defenses in recent memory. A three-headed defensive POA monster of Caruso, Wallace and Lu Dort shut down LA's duo of Leonard and James Harden.
After the Thunder's win, Leonard praised their defense on par with his character — with a few short yet powerful words. Would he consider them the best defense he's played since his return?
"I mean, I guess you could give it to them," Leonard said. "I don't know. What do the numbers say?"
Leonard was told the numbers say yes. No matter which defensive metric you want to measure by, the Thunder surely are at the top of the rankings.
"Then yes," Leonard said. "I would say they didn't have a lot of guys you can attack in that starting lineup. I guess that does kinda make them the best. All of them have the attitude and want to guard one of the best on the floor. So like I said, it was enjoyable."
Leonard has had his fair share of battles. The six-time All-Star is a back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year winner on the San Antonio Spurs from 2014-16. He's regarded as one of the NBA's best defenders ever so if anybody is worth listening to on their opinion of that side of the ball, it's him.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Kawhi Leonard keeps it short on thoughts about OKC Thunder's defense
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