Klaw vs Joker: A Head to Head Comparison of Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic

In the last few years, Kawhi Leonard has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the league. After carrying the Toronto Raptors to the first-ever championship in franchise history, he moved to LA. However, Leonard and the Clippers could already be in the WCF if it weren’t for Nikola Jokic‘s Denver Nuggets.

Facing elimination, the Nuggets bought their A-game on the table and avoided being sent home. Well, at least for a few days. They are still not out of the woods as they have to win three more games to advance.

While Jamal Murray was the clearcut superstar in the first round, things have changed in WCSF. Nikola Jokic is burdening the load for the Nuggets on his shoulders.

Moreover, The Joker vs The Klaw has turned into a rivalry in this series. Both stars have a second option in Murry and Paul George respectively. But when it comes down the stretch, the team relies on Leonard and Jokic.

Now the question arises – “Who is the better player?”, Is it Kawhi Leonard or Nikola Jokic? Which superstar will carry his team to the conference finals?

Kawhi Leonard vs Nikola Jokic: head to head comparison

When it comes to star power, Leonard has a clear cut advantage over Jokic. The 2-time champion has a different aura around himself and is in a league of his own. Many fans believe that Leonard should be in the GOAT conversation if he wins another ring this year.

Leonard is averaging 29.8 points per game with 9.7 boards and 5.5 assists a game. Couple that with shooting 51.3% from the line, The Klaw is having yet another phenomenal playoff run.

On the other hand, after the five-month hiatus, Nikola Jokic went through an extreme change. The Joker looks in the best shape of his life and it is being reflected in his performances. So far, Jokic is averaging 25.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and dishing out 5.3 assists per game.

Jokic has seen a surge in offense in the postseason, he is averaging almost 6 more points than the regular season. That surge has helped the Nuggets stay alive in the playoffs.

Game 6 is extremely crucial for both sides as the Clippers need to halt the Nuggets’ momentum. Otherwise, the series will be tied 3 games and apiece. And the Nuggets are on a whole different level when their backs is against the wall.