Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points as the Toronto Raptors secured a 4-2 NBA Eastern Conference finals victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, clinching their maiden appearance in the NBA Finals.
The Raptors triumphed 100-94 in Toronto over the Bucks, fighting back from a three-quarter time deficit to complete the series win, having trailed 2-0 earlier in the best-of-seven.
Toronto will play the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals commencing on Thursday 30 May.
Leonard was all the talk after the game, having nailed 27 points along with 17 rebounds and seven assists.
His impact was obvious and significant given the Raptors had fallen short of the NBA Finals by narrow margins over the past few years.
Leonard was the key part of a big off-season trade and that deal is now justified for Raptors president Masai Ujiri.
The typically low-key Leonard brushed off that discussion post-game, when he said: “I just want to win. I don’t care about being the best player.
“I want to be the best team. I’ve always said that.
“Before the season, when we made the trade, Masai felt that way about me.
“He told me how he felt and why he made the trade.
“It’s turning out well now. We’re in the Finals, and we’re not done yet.”
The Raptors’ Game Six win didn’t look likely when they trailed by 15 points in the third but showed resilience and got on a roll.
Pascal Siakam (18 points), Kyle Lowry (17 points) and Fred VanVleet (14 points) all played their part.
For the Bucks, star man Giannis Antetokounmpo top scored with 24 points but wasn’t able to produce his best when it mattered. Brook Lopez was clutch in the final quarter with 18 points.