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What we learned from the LA Clippers’ bounce back win over Charlotte

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 28, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 28, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers attempts to steal the ball from PJ Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of a game at Staples Center on October 28, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers attempts to steal the ball from PJ Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of a game at Staples Center on October 28, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Kawhi Leonard is doing it all

Before this season began, we all thought we knew what Kawhi Leonard’s strengths were. He was known as one of the league’s most talented two-way players and was at his best as a scorer and wing defender.

Perhaps we just didn’t watch Leonard closely enough, because we’re discovering that there’s another side to him.

Leonard, in his ninth NBA season, has taken another step forward — this time as a playmaker.

The two-way wing has been tremendous with the ball in his hands this season, leading the LA Clippers in assists per game at 7.5 — a figure that’s over twice as high as his previous high of 3.5 assists per game, which he achieved as a member of the San Antonio Spurs during the 2016-2017 season.

The six he recorded against the Charlotte Hornets were on the low-end of what he’s produced per game so far this season, which is ironic considering he recorded six or more assists in a game just six times all of last year with the Toronto Raptors.

He’s been efficient with the ball as well, averaging just 3.0 turnovers per game, though he’s only had five in the Clippers’ last two games. That number should begin to go down as the season progresses as well, as he’ll become more familiar with his teammates.

Defensively, Leonard is as sound as ever. He stuffed the stat sheet in LA’s win over the Hornets, grabbing seven defensive rebounds and picking up two steals and three blocks. His ability to hunt down the ball is a sight to be seen.

Leonard also pitched in 30 points in the effort, matching his season-high that he posted against the Los Angeles Lakers.

And oh, yeah. He did all of that in 29 minutes against Charlotte.

Next. Kawhi Leonard is the LA Clippers' playmaker solution. dark

The LA Clippers have a tough week ahead, with a road game against the Utah Jazz followed by a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs the following night. But if Leonard continues to click with his teammates like this and take over the game on both ends of the floor, no game will ever be out of reach for the Clippers.

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