Kawhi Leonard joins elite company after efficient 39-point outburst

It's rather remarkable that Leonard, a perimeter-oriented player, finds himself in the company of 7-footers, but also not surprising. 

The San Diego State alum has maintained a better career FG% in the playoffs (51.4) than in the regular season (49.9) — a feat that eluded even LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan, three of the most efficient perimeter-based scorers in history.

Through the first two games against the Nuggets, Leonard is shooting at mindboggling splits of 71/50/100, going 24-of-34 from the field and 8-of-8 from the line. The Nuggets have thrown various defensive coverages at him, but nothing has affected Leonard's ability to rise over defenders and shoot, especially from his beloved midrange.

Leonard is thrilled to compete on the playoff stage after being sidelined with injuries over the last few years. 

"I'm just happy that I'm able to move," he said after Monday's win, via ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "That's what I'm taking pride in is just being healthy. I sat and watched these playoff games and series the past two years. So being able to be frontline out there, it just feels good for me no matter which way the game goes."

If Leonard continues to shoot this efficiently, it's hard to foresee this series going beyond six games. Don't let the two close scores fool you — Leonard and the Clippers are in complete control. The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Thursday.