Sensational Kawhi Leonard pulls Raptors level in series with Sixers

Kawhi Leonard hit a big-time three-pointer with a minute remaining to help lead the Toronto Raptors to a 101-96 Game 4 win over the Philadelphia 76ers and even the series at two games apiece.

Leonard was sensational all game yet again, scoring 39 points on 20 shots to go along with 14 rebounds and five assists. While Jimmy Butler continued to impose his will in this series to finish with 29 points and 11 rebounds, Joel Embiid was a shadow of his Game 3 self, finishing with just 11 points on seven shots.

Toronto couldn’t have hoped for a better start, getting out to a 22-11 lead early in the first quarter courtesy of a free-flowing offence and excellent defence. Kyle Lowry was the head of the snake the team was hoping for, looking much more assertive on the offensive end and actively seeking out his own shot.

Nick Nurse was proactive in managing both his rotations and timeouts, using Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol together for the first time this post-season, turning to Patrick McCaw for energy and size, and stopping play whenever the Sixers went on a hint of a run.

Pascal Siakam, who has been battling a contusion in his right calf, struggled for the majority of the game, missing his first seven shots and clearly lacking the usual pep in his step that has made him the dependable Energizer bunny he’s been all season.

With Siakam unable to produce at his usual level, Gasol showed more assertiveness, scoring 16 points to help carry the offence, while Lowry finished with 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a single turnover.

Game 5 goes Tuesday in Toronto.

BENCH PRODUCTION

As has been the case over the course of the series, James Ennis provided a major lift for the Sixers while Fred VanVleet continued to come up empty.

Ibaka was a big factor in this one, producing all 12 Toronto bench points, excellent rim protection and holding his own on the defensive end on the whole.

UNSUNG HERO

Danny Green played terrific defence all game, and while his three-point shot wasn’t there for much of the game, he got to the line and went a perfect 8-for-8.

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