Kawhi named Finals MVP

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has been given the 2019 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.

It's the second time in the star's eight-year career that he's received the honor. He was also named Finals MVP after winning the NBA championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs.

When asked what made him stay focused throughout the Raptors' playoff run, Leonard credited his life experiences and his teammates, who also helped make his transition over the summer from the San Antonio Spurs seamless.

"Man, last summer I was going through a lot. I had a great support system and I just kept working hard and working hard and had my mind set on this goal right here," he told ESPN's Doris Burke. "I came to a team, a new coach that mindset was the same as mine: try to get that (trophy) over there.

"This is what I play basketball for, this is what I work out for all summer, during the season, and I'm happy that my hard work paid off."

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, Leonard fell just one vote short of a unanimous selection. Only ESPN's Hubie Brown didn't vote for the 27-year-old, choosing to vote instead for Raptors reserve guard Fred VanVleet.

Entering Game 6, Leonard was averaging 29.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, two steals, and 1.2 blocks in The Finals. He then recorded 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists on Thursday to help the Raptors secure their first-ever Larry O'Brien Trophy.