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Kawhi Leonard did everything he could Sunday night to pull off an upset victory for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Detroit Pistons.
The Clippers have been one of the worst teams in the Western Conference through the first 31 games of the regular season, while the Pistons have been one of the best in the Eastern Conference. Leonard showed that he still had some gas in the tank.
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard controls the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
He scored 55 points in Los Angeles’ 112-99 victory. He made 17 of 26 field goals and scored five three-pointers. He added 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks to his stat line. It was the first time in his career that he scored at least 50 points in a game.
The total of 55 points also tied a Clippers franchise record. He shared the total with his teammate James Harden. Leonard had a chance to break it, but kept his fourth quarter time at just six minutes and left the game with less than a minute left.
“Like I told (Clippers head coach Ty Lue), I’d rather play another game than go out and take a chance,” Leonard said. “Hopefully we can get another win and be in the same situation. It is what it is.”
Harden was mocking Leonard for taking enough time to reach at least 50 points in a single game.
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Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) drives the ball while under pressure from Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
“It was beautiful to see how efficient and effortless he was,” Harden said after the game. “It was very smooth. He got to the spot he wanted and once you get to that spot it’s not even about the defender. It’s about him making the shot.
“I’m really happy for him because behind the scenes you see someone and how hard they work… For him, what he had to fight just to come out and be himself was a beautiful thing to see.”
Leonard has slowly regained his speed as he dealt with ankle and foot injuries this season, in addition to the knee problems that have plagued him throughout his career. He has already missed 10 games this season. He played 40 minutes for the first time last week against the Los Angeles Lakers and did it again on Friday night.
“He’s finally getting healthy and can finally play enough minutes to be very effective,” Lue said. “When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the league. We’ve been able to see that lately.”
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham talk after an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
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The Clippers are on a four-game winning streak and the Sacramento Kings are coming to town Tuesday night.
