Depending on who you ask, most would likely tell you that Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs (when healthy) is the best defender in basketball.
On a nightly basis he’s routinely asked to defend the oppositions best backcourt player on defense (give or take) and on Tuesday night, he was tasked with the job of keeping Dallas Mavericks star guard Monta Ellis down.
He did a damn fine job, which including this embarrassing moment for Ellis.
As the Mavericks guard was attempting to set up the offense, he began swinging the ball around Kawhi Leonard which most would have suggested to be a poor idea. He continued to do so, moving from Leonard’s head to his feet, which is when the defensive star struck.
Kawhi Leonard didn’t just slap the ball away from Monta Elllis like most NBA defender’s would have done. No, he straight up took it like Deebo snatching chains in Friday.
So not only can you not really dribble the ball around the San Antonio Spurs talent, but if you get within a five foot range of him, there’s a damn good chance you’re going to lose the basketball without the rock even touching the hardwood.
Impressive.
