Kawhi Leonard's magical season with the Toronto Raptors continued in the team's first game of the new year, leading them to a 122-116 victory after scoring a career-high 45 points.

Even without All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry, the Raptors were able to get by a formidable Utah defense. Pascal Siakam continued his breakout year with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Norman Powell chipped in 14 points and a trio of rebounds. The Raptors have now won their last two games.

Leonard also registered six rebounds in the Toronto victory, moving them to 28-11 on the season. The 27-year-old has now scored at least 20 points in 11 straight games, further cementing himself as a prime MVP candidate as the second half of the season nears.

The Raptors made a bold trade when they surrendered All-Star DeMar DeRozan, young forward Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick for Leonard and Danny Green. The blockbuster came with a major risk, as Leonard is a free agent after this season and reportedly has a strong desire to join one of the two Los Angeles-based teams - preferably the Clippers.

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Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

But so far, the trade has paid major dividends for the Raptors. Only the Milwaukee Bucks (26-10), have a better record than Toronto. And with all due respect to the Bucks, the Raptors were the better team before injuries began to pile up on their starters. If healthy, there isn't a better team in the East than Toronto.

Leonard has to be considered the early favorite to win the MVP award, given the sensational start to the season. The Raptors are certainly in good hands heading into the second half of 2019, as long as Leonard keeps playing like this.

What This Means

It's been an excellent start to 2018-19 for Leonard and the Raptors. It's safe to say that the front office has done everything they can to convince Leonard that he should sign here long-term.

But for now, Toronto's goal is to keep on winning and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in their history.

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