Despite being soft-spoken and self-effacing, Kawhi Leonard is likely flashing a gigantic grin on his face as he celebrates his birthday today. While he kicks his feet up and relaxes, the former five-time All-Star is still very much focused on the task at hand.
During the 2021-22 NBA season, Leonard failed to play a single game as he nursed a torn ACL. Still, regardless of his absence on the court, Leonard remained engaged with the LA Clippers as they fought tooth and nail on a nightly basis.
Presently, Leonard appears to be ahead of his recovery schedule. But, even with the former two-time Defensive Player of the Year anxious to lead LA to their first NBA title, we aren’t focused on his future plans at the moment.
As we celebrate Leonard turning the big 3-1 today, we’ve decided to take a look back at his career as a Clipper and drool over his biggest and most impressive games while donning the white, red, and blue.
Date: January 1st, 2021
Stats: 20 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks
Unlike in most of Kawhi Leonard’s games in a Clippers uniform, his heroics were rendered useless against the Utah Jazz on January 1st, 2021.
An overwhelmingly confident Clippers group waltzed into the backyard of the Utah Jazz, fully expecting to have their way. But, from the moment the first buzzer sounded, it was the Jazz who landed the opening blow.
Down by 12 points after the first period and 9 at the half, Utah took a 19-point lead heading into the final period. In an attempt to will his ball club back into it, Leonard dropped six of his 20 points in the final frame and grabbed six boards. It was all in vain though, as the Jazz would hold on for a six-point victory. But not without Leonard going off. LA’s leading star finished the game with 20 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 blocks.