Clipperholics
Fansided

What we learned from the LA Clippers’ comeback win over Utah Jazz

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz on November 3, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 3: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz on November 3, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 24, 2019, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 24, 2019, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Kawhi Leonard earning a place in the MVP conversation

Is it too early to start talking about regular season awards? Absolutely. But we’re going to do it anyway.

Few players, if any, have been better than Kawhi Leonard this season. And while we are just seven games into the season, his numbers feel sustainable.

Following Sunday night’s game against the Utah Jazz, Leonard ranks fourth in total points scored and first in field goals made, but ranks right around 50th when it comes to minutes played. That speaks volumes about his efficiency.

It also helps his case that his LA Clippers (which is still surreal to say) are currently in a four-way tie with the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat for most wins in the NBA. And considering that many projected the Clippers to finish with the best record in the Western Conference this season, they should stay right up there near the top.

It’s more than just scoring for Leonard, though.

Leonard is still one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and his skills have been on full display since joining the Clippers. He isn’t just racking up a high number of steals and blocks each night, either. Among players that are averaging at least 30 minutes per game and have appeared in more than three games this season, Leonard ranks 10th in defensive rating and first in steal percentage.

His case will likely take a hit once Paul George returns, but if Leonard can keep up his stellar play throughout the season and play a substantial amount of games, he could be on his way to winning his first-ever League MVP award.

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

The LA Clippers will get a few days off before they host the Milwaukee Bucks this Wednesday, which is the first leg of a back-to-back.

Home/Clippers News