Out of the entire NBA, it’s pretty well known that Kawhi Leonard is the one player who’s hardest to get a reaction out of. He is seemingly always unfazed, and Dillon Brooks, a pesky, two-way talent, who embraces the trash-talking aspect of the game, learned on his own. In an interview with ‘The Players’ Tribune’, Brooks revealed that he really went as far as pinching Leonard to get in his head, and the two-time champion was cool, calm, and collected, per usual.
Brooks also mentioned that Leonard was a “white whale,” adding that he was the only one who never folded to the same techniques the Canadian native would use to mentally affect opponents’ games.
This sounds about right, and Brooks should’ve expected it beforehand. Leonard could drill the meanest step-back, break somebody's ankles, or hit a clutch bucket, and chances are more likely than not that he will do the bare minimum celebration without even cracking a smile.
Dillon Brooks saw firsthand why Kawhi Leonard is from a different breed
Dillon Brooks’ tactics may work on the average player at the highest level, and even some superstars, but with Kawhi Leonard, he found out for himself that his efforts are pointless. Leonard’s mental space is difficult to break into, as no matter what is said to him, he’s locked in on scoring, defending, and winning.
In addition to ignoring any sort of trash talk, Leonard remains rock solid under pressure. He’s demonstrated it a handful of times since entering the league, and specifically this season, in what has been a story of several game-winners and much-needed buckets in crunch time.
That explains the championships, numerous victories when it matters most, and, essentially, what makes Leonard one of the best playoff risers in basketball. It takes more than skill, and he is the epitome of that.
This is the golden mindset to have. Every basketball player worldwide strives to achieve it. But, only some can, and because Leonard has mastered it, he has reached extreme heights that most can only dream of.
Brooks just saw it before his very eyes, and because he has made pestering a part of his game, Leonard’s reaction is surely one he will remember for the rest of his time in the NBA.
That said, it's clear the LA Clippers roster a one-of-one, generational talent as their franchise player, and Brooks' story proves it.