Kawhi on 'MVP' chants: 'It's only Game 2, but I appreciate the support'

Kawhi Leonard is undefeated during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors. Hyperbole? Sure, but through two games - both at home in an arena full of raucous Canadian fans - the fact remains that neither the quiet superstar nor the Raptors' faithful have yet to taste defeat.

So while Leonard says he "definitely" heard the rousing "M-V-P" cheers from the partisan crowd, the 27-year-old forward recognizes there is still much to be done.

"It's a little early though," Leonard said after the game, according to TSN's Josh Lewenberg, pumping the brakes on the fans' affectionate chorus. "It's only Game 2, but I appreciate the support."

The reputation of Toronto's home crowd certainly precedes Leonard's arrival.

"Coming here playing on the road in the past, I could see how live this arena is and how amped up they get for the Raptors," Leonard continued, "So (the fans' reaction) doesn't surprise me. The only thing that surprised me was the M-V-P chants so early, but I understand the excitement and what (the fans) expect."

After wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Wednesday's season opener and the Boston Celtics on Friday - the latter being the first of three nationally broadcast battles between the Atlantic Division heavyweights - Leonard is averaging 27.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His five-man lineups have outscored their opponents by 30 points so far, numbers that would put any player in the running for Most Valuable Player honors.

Leonard and the Raptors will put their unblemished record on the line in short order, taking on the Washington Wizards Saturday night - the team's first road test of the 2018-19 campaign.