Here’s how Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard is rivaling Larry Bird’s epic 1984 playoff run

Few players have dominated the NBA playoffs like Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird did in 1984, but Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard is coming pretty close.

Bird led the Celtics to the 1984 NBA Finals, where Boston triumphed over Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in an exciting Game 7 at the old Boston Garden. Bird was named Finals MVP for his clutch performance, and his stats throughout the entire postseason helped him accomplish an impressive feat.

Leonard is on track to match it in 2019.

Kawhi Leonard currently leads all players this postseason in points, rebounds and steals.

The only player to do that in a postseason is Larry Bird in 1984. You know the rest. pic.twitter.com/WMs3m4o6Bp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 9, 2019

The Raptors have the opportunity to win their first NBA Finals in team history Monday night in Game 5. They lead the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors 3-1 in the series after winning Game 3 and Game 4 at Oracle Arena.

Leonard is averaging 30.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals in the NBA Finals, while shooting 40.3 percent from 3-point range and playing excellent defense. He's the easy choice for Finals MVP if the Raptors close out the series, and win or lose his performance will go down as one of the finest in NBA Finals history.