Kawhi Leonard Is A Problem (Again)
The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 season began with chaos and disappointment. After sending away the franchise’s greatest player and enduring a brutal stretch in the standings, the team seemed destined for irrelevance in a stacked Western Conference. Yet, against all odds, the Clippers have found new life—and the driving force behind their revival is none other than Kawhi Leonard.
For the past six games, Leonard has played at a level reminiscent of his prime, propelling the Clippers to a six-game win streak and injecting hope into a season that once looked lost. This feature explores how Leonard’s resurgence has transformed the team, the tactical shifts that have unlocked his game, and the Clippers’ improbable quest for playoff contention.
The Tumultuous Start: A Franchise in Flux
Parting Ways with a Legend
Early in the season, the Clippers made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The unceremonious departure of their best player—sent home mid-road trip and ultimately cut from the roster—left fans and analysts stunned. The move signaled a new era, but the transition was anything but smooth.
Hitting Rock Bottom
Without their longtime star, the Clippers struggled to find cohesion. Losses piled up, and the team sank to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Chemistry issues, inconsistent performances, and questions about leadership plagued the locker room. With a 6-21 record, the odds of a playoff berth seemed remote.
The Kawhi Leonard Renaissance: Six Games of Brilliance
Rediscovering Greatness
Kawhi Leonard, once considered the best player in the NBA, had been playing well—but not at his former MVP level. Then, something changed. Over the past six games, Leonard has delivered a string of performances that have reignited the Clippers’ season and reminded the basketball world of his elite talent.
Statistical Dominance
Leonard’s numbers during this streak are staggering:
Averaging over 30 points per game
Shooting 44% from three on a career-high 10 attempts per game
Leading the team in rebounds, steals, and defensive rating
His efficiency and versatility have been the key to the Clippers’ turnaround, with his scoring coming from a variety of actions: pick-and-rolls, isolations, mid-range jumpers, and transition attacks.
Tactical Evolution: How the Clippers Unlocked Kawhi
Pick-and-Roll Precision
A significant portion of Leonard’s buckets now come from pick-and-roll sets. The Clippers have refined their offensive schemes to maximize his strengths, often starting plays with a back screen from the center. This forces defenders to sink and protect against cutters, leaving them out of position when Leonard turns the corner.
The result? Leonard attacks downhill with minimal resistance, using his strength and timing to finish at the rim or pull up for mid-range jumpers.
Princeton Offense and High Post Splits
Head coach Tyronn Lue has incorporated elements of the Princeton offense, using handoffs and ball screens to create options for Leonard. When denied, the center flashes underneath for “blind pig” action, keeping defenses guessing. High post splits and rejected screens open up space for Leonard to exploit, allowing him to find open shots or create for teammates.
Rhythm and Technique
Leonard’s shooting mechanics have been a focus. He lifts both feet off the ground, hopping into his shot for optimal rhythm. Dipping the ball off the dribble generates power from distance, making his pull-up game nearly unstoppable.
The Clippers also force favorable matchups, using screens to isolate slower defenders and create opportunities for Leonard to attack the middle or finish with finesse.
Isolation Excellence: The Superstar’s Bag
Leading the League in Isolations
With both Leonard and James Harden on the roster, the Clippers lead the NBA in isolation plays. Leonard thrives in these situations, using his high release and footwork to score over defenders. The team clears out entire sides of the floor, giving him space to operate and exploit mismatches.
Mid-Range Mastery
Leonard’s mid-range game is a throwback to a bygone era. He utilizes jump stops, dream shakes, and fadeaways to create separation and knock down shots from 13 to 15 feet. While the modern NBA emphasizes three-pointers and layups, Leonard’s ability to score efficiently in the mid-range adds a unique dimension to the Clippers’ offense.
Increased Three-Point Volume
During this six-game stretch, Leonard has upped his three-point attempts to 10 per game, hitting at a scorching 44% clip. This newfound aggression from beyond the arc has stretched defenses and opened driving lanes for teammates.
Harden and Leonard: Superstar Synergy
Creating for Each Other
The Clippers envisioned their two superstars creating opportunities for one another, and recent games have delivered on that promise. Leonard often sets the first of a double ball screen for Harden, collapsing defenses and opening up corner shooters.
Harden’s vision and passing ability complement Leonard’s scoring prowess. Double teams on Harden lead to rotations that find Leonard open for catch-and-shoot threes or transition layups.
Transition Threats
Leonard remains a force in transition, capable of going coast-to-coast and finishing through contact. Harden’s outlet passes—sometimes spanning 60 feet—find Leonard streaking down the court for easy baskets.
Defensive Impact: Kawhi’s Two-Way Brilliance
Steals and Disruption
Leonard’s defense has always been a hallmark of his game. His massive hands, quick reflexes, and positioning allow him to generate steals off the dribble, intercept passes, and deflect balls to teammates.
During this win streak, Leonard’s defensive playmaking has helped the Clippers achieve the lowest defensive rating in the NBA. He recovers after getting beat, using his wingspan and determination to force turnovers and disrupt opponents.
Shutting Down High-Scoring Teams
The Clippers have faced some of the league’s top offenses during this stretch, yet have managed to shut them down thanks to Leonard’s leadership and defensive intensity. His ability to anchor the defense and communicate rotations has been critical.
The Road Ahead: Playoff Aspirations and Margin for Error
History Against the Odds
Few teams that start 6-21 have ever made the playoffs. The Clippers’ margin for error is slim, but Leonard’s nightly brilliance gives them hope. If he continues to dominate, the team could make history with a late-season surge.
Supporting Cast Contributions
Role players like Batum, Sanders, and Smith have stepped up, providing timely shooting and defense. Tyronn Lue’s rotations and tactical adjustments have maximized the roster’s strengths, keeping legs fresh and maintaining intensity.
Remaining Challenges
The Western Conference remains unforgiving. The Clippers must sustain their effort, avoid injuries, and continue to execute at a high level. Every game is critical, and Leonard’s leadership will be tested as the pressure mounts.
Culture Shift: Resilience and Redemption
Overcoming Adversity
The Clippers’ early-season turmoil could have derailed their campaign. Instead, the team has rallied around Leonard, embracing a culture of resilience and redemption. The locker room has unified, and the players have recommitted to the pursuit of excellence.
Leonard’s Legacy
Leonard’s resurgence is not just a statistical marvel—it’s a testament to his professionalism, work ethic, and love for the game. His ability to elevate his play in the face of adversity has inspired teammates and fans alike.
Conclusion: The Clippers’ New Identity
The Los Angeles Clippers have transformed a season of chaos into one of hope and possibility. Kawhi Leonard’s resurgence has sparked a six-game win streak, revived playoff aspirations, and redefined the team’s identity.
Through tactical innovation, superstar synergy, and defensive dominance, the Clippers are writing a new chapter—one built on resilience, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As the season unfolds, the basketball world will be watching to see if Leonard and the Clippers can complete their improbable comeback and make history.
