The Los Angeles Clippers have waited a long time for a night like this from Kawhi Leonard, and so has James Harden.
Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points in Sunday night’s 112-99 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, delivering one of the most complete performances the franchise has ever seen. From Harden’s perspective, the moment carried extra weight because of what he has witnessed behind the scenes over the past two-plus seasons.
Harden, whose locker sits next to Leonard’s, has watched his teammate grind through injuries, rehab, and minute restrictions just to get back to looking like himself, per Pasadena Star News. After the final buzzer, Harden made it clear the performance meant more than just a stat line.
“Took him long enough,” Harden said with a smile. He followed it up with praise, calling the night beautiful, efficient, and effortless, while emphasizing how smooth Leonard looked getting to his spots. Harden added that seeing Leonard battle through so much and finally resemble his old self made the moment even more special.
How long he’s been in the league? 12, 13, 14 years? Something like that. Nah, it was a beautiful thing to see. How efficient it was. How effortless it was. It was just so smooth. Got to whatever spot he wanted to… Overly happy for him. Because behind the scenes, you watch somebody and how hard they work… For him, what he’s had to battle through just to go out there and look like himself, it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Leonard’s scoring outburst powered the Clippers to their fourth straight win, their longest streak of the season, and arguably their most impressive victory so far.
Harden Puts Leonard’s Night in Rare Company
Leonard finished with 55 points on 17-of-26 shooting, along with 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks. That stat line placed him in elite territory. He became just the third player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks in a single game. The last player to accomplish that feat was Harden himself in 2019.
The performance also tied Harden and Leonard together in Clippers history. Both now share the franchise’s single-game scoring record, with Harden previously reaching the mark during a 131-116 road win on Nov. 22.
Leonard added another franchise milestone by setting a new record for consecutive made free throws at 64, surpassing Jamal Crawford’s previous mark of 58. His streak ended during the third quarter when he missed the second of two attempts, but he still finished 16-of-17 from the line while logging 39 minutes.
That third quarter told the story of the night. Leonard poured in 26 points in the period alone, pushing past his previous career high of 45 when he knocked down free throws with 2:23 left for an 87-65 lead.
“I just stayed hot,” Leonard said afterward, crediting head coach Tyronn Lue for keeping him on the floor longer than usual once it was clear he had the hot hand.
Clippers’ Momentum Builds Behind Leonard, Harden
Lue admitted the decision came out of necessity. “We needed it,” he said, adding that when Leonard is healthy, he remains one of the league’s top players.
That reality has fueled the Clippers’ recent surge. After struggling badly earlier in the season, Los Angeles has now stacked wins against the Lakers, Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Pistons. Few would have predicted a month ago that the Clippers could dominate a Detroit team that entered Sunday leading the East at 24-8.
Leonard followed up Sunday’s outburst with a 41-point performance Tuesday against Houston, making him just the second player in franchise history, alongside Bob McAdoo, to score at least 40 points in back-to-back home games.
For Leonard, the stretch reflects a shift in approach. He acknowledged he is shooting more threes and being aggressive throughout games, even though his instincts often lean toward sharing the ball, ESPN reports.
As Harden made clear, the Clippers have seen the work. Now, they are finally seeing the payoff.
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