Butler took Leonard out of the game, tbh

[Silver&Black]

At least you know something.

Leonard beat Butler like a drum.

Leonard, 25 pts, Butler, only 14.

Leonard 8 rebs, Butler, only 3.

Butler had the highest number of turnovers of anybody who played in the game, 5. That's out of 11 TOs total for Chicago. So, Butler, by himself, was responsible for almost half of the Bulls total turnovers. Leonard had two TOs.

They both played approx 40 minutes.

Butler was -11, the worst +/- of any Bull. (For those who like to throw around the +/- so-called stat.) Leonard was +14, the best of any player who appeared in the game on either team.

The Spurs bench sucked. Sigh.

No Lyf3 = Kobe
JeffDuncan = Chris Childs

[TheGreatYacht]

The increased aggression, he now moves like Kobe, his shooting form is Kobe-esque.
Pop is putting him into "Kobe" situations now repeatedly.

I can see the comparisons...

Kobe is who Chip originally gave Kawhi as the model for rebuilding his shot, if I recall correctly. The midrange game Kawhi has been deploying this year is a bit reminiscent of prime Kobe, as is the turnaround J out of the post (which Kobe himself copied from MJ). And while he was never close to Kawhi on D, Kobe is one of the few "star" 2 wings of the last 20 years perceived as being great on both sides of the ball (even if that perception is a bit skewed).

I think those factors are all reasons for the comparisons.

Good posts

[TrainOfThought5]

Kobe and Kawhi are sons of MJ. of course their games look similar.

[loveforthegame]

Nice read if you're a fan of both Leonard and Butler.

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/feature..._tw_sf16238723

[Spurtacular]

Kawhobe

Why the KL didn't bounce pass to Ginbobili, I dunno.

And I'm still in disbelief that the Spurs drafted CoJo over Butler, tbh.

[TheGreatYacht]

Why the KL didn't bounce pass to Ginbobili, I dunno.

And I'm still in disbelief that the Spurs drafted CoJo over Butler, tbh.

Yeah Spurs have had their fair number of brain farts in the draft, tbh not a lot of people bring it up

Spurs were looking for a SG and a backup SF for Jefferson, could've definitely used Butler. We picked up TJ Ford the same offseason we drafted Cojo, right? IIRC.

[bic50]

Why the KL didn't bounce pass to Ginbobili, I dunno.

And I'm still in disbelief that the Spurs drafted CoJo over Butler, tbh.

It didn't seem ginobili was intended to receive a pass there. Looked like they wanted him to try a game winning shot from kawhi. Got to give Butler credit there.

[SAGirl]

It didn't seem ginobili was intended to receive a pass there. Looked like they wanted him to try a game winning shot from kawhi. Got to give Butler credit there.

Just a lack of experience by Kawhi in that kind of situation.

I read that Tony said the play was for Kawhi with Manu as a second option, and that also they would have taken a quick two if it was available.

J.Butler was spectacular defending that 3. Not only did he not allow the clean look, he also kept Kawhi from driving. Kawhi doesn't have an explosive step to blow by him. Kawhi did a number on him all game, but you have to give Butler credit, his defense on that play was spectacular.

Learning experience for him. He didn't need to take that shot, it was better to ask for a screen, pull back, reset or pass. It could have still been a loss, but he could have looked for other ways to get a better look.

[bic50]

Just a lack of experience by Kawhi in that kind of situation.

I read that Tony said the play was for Kawhi with Manu as a second option, and that also they would have taken a quick two if it was available.

J.Butler was spectacular defending that 3. Not only did he not allow the clean look, he also kept Kawhi from driving. Kawhi doesn't have an explosive step to blow by him. Kawhi did a number on him all game, but you have to give Butler credit, his defense on that play was spectacular.

Learning experience for him. He didn't need to take that shot, it was better to ask for a screen, pull back, reset or pass. It could have still been a loss, but he could have looked for other ways to get a better look.

Agreed.