Los Angeles Clippers followers anticipated to see Kawhi Leonard have an excellent recreation on Monday evening, however few anticipated him to play this effectively.
When the ultimate buzzer sounded, Leonard had posted 39 factors, three rebounds, 5 assists, two steals, and one block in opposition to the Denver Nuggets, giving his workforce a much-needed win.
In line with NBA.com/Stats, Leonard shot all of that on a 78.9 discipline objective proportion.
That makes him the fifth participant in NBA playoff historical past to attain 39+ factors, on 78.9 p.c or extra.
He joins simply Devin Booker, Dirk Nowitzki, Elton Model, and Terry Porter.
Kawhi Leonard dropped 39 PTS on 78.9 FG% tonight!
He is the fifth participant in NBA PLAYOFF HISTORY to attain 39+ PTS on 78.9+ FG% 🎯
He joins:
Devin Booker (2023)
Dirk Nowitzki (2011)
Elton Model (2006)
Terry Porter (1992) https://t.co/q3thl5w1rE pic.twitter.com/tdZoJn9qWE— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 22, 2025
If that is the model of Leonard that the Clippers get for the rest of the postseason, the remainder of the NBA may very well be in deep trouble.
There have been doubts about him and his Clippers all through the season.
The worry was that he would as soon as once more fall wanting expectations, principally due to accidents.
It’s been a very long time since he has been this wholesome and impactful.
The Nuggets are a really powerful opponent, so if the Clippers are capable of get previous them, that may ship an enormous message to the remainder of the West.
Individuals haven’t needed to constantly battle Leonard within the playoffs for a while and so there are numerous gamers who aren’t ready for simply how troublesome he may be.
He will not be scoring like this each evening, however he’s additionally surrounded by a workforce that’s gifted and able to play exhausting.
The Clippers are extra of a menace than they’ve been in years, and that’s as a result of Leonard is again in a really large and historic method.
NEXT: James Harden Praises Kawhi Leonard After Efficiency On Monday
