“Never been Batman in the playoffs” – Fans CONTRADICT analyst for opting playoff Kyrie Irving over Kawhi Leonard
Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Kawhi Leonard While Fans Defend the Superstar
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Kawhi Leonard was expected to lead the charge for the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. However, the superstar was ruled out due to injury, and the Clippers lost to the Suns. This prompted ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith to criticize Leonard, calling him one of the “worst” superstars the NBA has ever seen.
Smith clarified that he was not criticizing Leonard’s skills, as he acknowledged that the player is a talented superstar. However, he criticized Leonard for being “unreliable” in the playoffs and constantly letting his team down. Smith even went as far as to say that he would rather have Kyrie Irving, who he has personal issues with, over Leonard in the playoffs, as Irving is more reliable.
“Because anybody that watches basketball knows I’m obviously not talking about his skills,” Smith said. “We know the brother is big time, we know that as a talent he’s a superstar… he is that dude. But when you talk about a superstar that is unreliable, I want somebody that’s pointing me out somebody more flagrant than him.”
“Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen,” Smith said on First Take. “That’s right, I said it.”
He added:
“I would rather have Kyrie Irving because I know that come playoff time, he’s going to be ready to play… With Kawhi, I don’t know when the hell he’s going to be available. Believe it or not: Kyrie is more reliable than Kawhi.”
Clippers fans were disappointed with Leonard’s absence, as the team was already missing their other superstar, Paul George, due to injury. Leonard’s load management throughout the regular season did not seem to help him when it mattered the most, as he missed a crucial game in the playoffs.
NBA Fans Defend Kawhi Leonard
While Stephen A. Smith’s criticisms of Kawhi Leonard were harsh, many fans disagreed with his assessment. They took to social media to defend the superstar, stating that he has had many successful playoff runs in his career.
One twitter user wrote “Kyrie has never been Batman in the playoffs he played robin once. Kawhi been top dawg on playoff teams multiple times and won rings putting the team on his back.” Here are some of the other reactions:
Fans also defended Leonard’s load management, stating that it is a necessary tactic to keep players healthy and fresh for the playoffs. They argued that Leonard’s absence in Game 3 was due to a legitimate injury and not a result of his load management.
While Stephen A. Smith’s criticisms of Kawhi Leonard were harsh, fans defended the superstar and pointed out his many successes in the playoffs. While the debate over the reliability of Leonard and other NBA superstars will continue, it is clear that fans have a strong loyalty to their favorite players and will defend them boldly.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)