Kawhi Leonard had no trouble making his opinion known after watching Paul George get lit up by Chinese streetballer Bai Jing in a recent 1v1 battle.
During George’s latest China tour, Bai Jing put up 60 points in an eventual 101-60 win, and Leonard sounded genuinely stunned when he saw the clip.
“What is this? This guy’s over here playing pros, and he scored 60 points on Paul George?
Who is this? What is this?”
After the person filming explained that it was the “Jimeng 116 100-point Challenge,” Leonard doubled down.
“Man, there’s no way he’d score 10 points on me. I’ll lock this dude up. He looks trash!”
George ultimately won the Star Street 1v1 Battle against Bai Jing, finishing with the 101-60 result, but Leonard clearly expected more from his former Clippers teammate. A game to 101 is a grind, no question, but giving up 60 points to a non-NBA player was enough to leave Leonard laughing at the whole thing.
The matchup itself came as part of George’s China tour, and Leonard’s reaction may have been as much for show as anything else. Leonard is also gearing up for his own tour of China, which adds another layer to the moment.
He announced the Asia trip on Katch’s official Instagram page, telling fans:
“Hong Kong fans! Thank you for inviting me.
I’ll be there August 15th at the Kai Tak Arena. August 15th in Hong Kong.
I’m super excited to come. Thanks for inviting me.
Let’s have a good time. Let’s get it.”
Leonard has toured China before, including a trip in 2017 with the San Antonio Spurs and another last year with the Los Angeles Clippers. That second visit included time with Chinese rookie phenom Yang Hansen, along with advice shared along the way.
This time, though, there’s another storyline hanging over him: the ongoing investigation into the salary cap scandal involving Leonard and the Clippers. Recent updates have pointed toward positive outcomes, but the situation is still unresolved, and there’s a growing belief in Leonard’s camp that it will all blow over smoothly, eventually allowing him to join the Toronto Raptors by the time training camp begins.
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