Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard are two of the best players of this generation. Fans have enjoyed several amazing matchups between them.
Now, in the 2023 playoffs, Durant’s Phoenix Suns are all set to play against Kawhi Leonard’s Los Angeles Clippers. It led to NBA fans on Reddit getting into a debate about which player is the better No. 1 option at their respective peaks.
Comments have been edited for clarification:
“KD can get those or similar numbers without load management/resting. On the other hand, Kawhi is an elite defender.”
“Kawhi is awesome, but it’s KD.”
“KD, but it’s really close, honestly. Playoff Kawhi/2019 Kawhi was built differently.”
“I believe there is a big chance that someone who says Kawhi has not been watching the NBA for too long.”
“Kawhi has really not been the same since his 2021 injury. KD is just a better pure scorer. Maybe the best ever.”
“KD, but it’s pretty close.”
“Depends on what your team needs. Need buckets? KD is your guy. Need buckets and defense; KL is your man.”
“Kawhi 2017/2019/2021 playoffs are above KD.”
“KD for offense only. But for their overall team contribution, I’m taking Kawhi. He’s still a much better defender than KD, and the difference on offense is vanishingly small.”
“Kawhi, but I wouldn’t be surprised if KD outplays him in this upcoming series. If PG was playing, it would be a different story, but I’m assuming he is going to be double/triple-teamed.”
Most fans picked Kevin Durant over Kawhi Leonard. But a few fans pointed out that peak Kawhi’s defense is unmatched, and he can still match Durant on the offensive end of the floor.
Kevin Durant vs. Kawhi Leonard: Who Is The Better Player?
Both Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard have had impactful careers in the NBA. But who is the better player between them?
Well, our writer, Eddie Bitar, answered this question in a detailed comparison between Durant and Leonard.
If we were to summarise the comparison, Durant is definitely a better scorer, more athletic, better in clutch situations, and is deadly in 1-on-1 situations. On the other hand, Leonard has an unparalleled defense alongside better leadership quality than KD.
Lastly, both superstars have somewhat equal basketball IQ and impact on games. All things considered, as of now, Durant is certainly better than Kawhi.
Looking at their stats against each other further bolsters KD’s status as the better player. They have played 34 games against each other, and Durant has won 19 of them by averaging 27.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.2 BPG. In comparison, Kawhi has averaged 17.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, and 0.5 BPG.
As for their shooting splits, KD has shot 50.2% from the field and 34.6% from downtown in the regular season and 50.4% from the field alongside 34.3% from the three-point line.
On the other hand, Leonard has shot 49.8% from the field coupled with 35.3% from deep in the regular season. During the playoffs, Kawhi has shot 45.9% from the field and a subpar 31.9% from behind the three-point line.
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