Prior to the start of the series, the LA Clippers were the clear underdogs, and it wasn’t close. Nearly every expert, TV analyst, and NBA insider picked Phoenix solely because LA would be without Paul George, a two-way superstar. However, these critics didn’t account for how deep the Clippers can be in a seven-game series.
Furthermore, not only did Kawhi Leonard dominate, but the Clippers’ role players contributed in various ways, ultimately leading to the crucial game-one victory. In addition, the coaching staff made the correct decisions throughout the game regarding which players deserve a DNP.
3. LA Clippers star, Kawhi Leonard, is the best playoff performer in the world.
With a ridiculous amount of pressure on his shoulders, LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard responded how fans expected he would in game one against the Phoenix Suns. On both ends of the floor, Leonard handled business, essentially carrying the Clippers to the win.
On top of posting 38 points, Leonard dropped five rebounds and five assists on 13-of-24 shooting. He was also on the defensive end guarding Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, making scoring extremely difficult in the paint and around the perimeter.
One statistic that may go overlooked is the number of minutes Leonard played. With George out for the foreseeable future, Leonard was on the court for 42 minutes. This is an excellent sign as it shows where Leonard’s health and stability are at. Though, 40+ minutes on a nightly basis is a demanding load to handle. If the Clippers are looking to win it all, multiple players will have to step up on the offensive end of the floor.