From the outside, the LA Clippers’ season turned around due to better rotations under Tyronn Lue and higher-quality production from the superstar duo. However, a ton of conversations certainly took place behind the scenes, and following the 111-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Kawhi Leonard revealed a subtle secret that, once executed, changed the Clippers for the better.
Leonard mentioned that when speaking with Jeremy Castleberry, a Clippers’ assistant on Tyronn Lue’s staff, he exited the conversation with a goal of 12 three-pointers per game. That is a ridiculously high volume, and the two-time champion added that Tyronn Lue was shocked when chiming in on his personal adjustment.
Kawhi Leonard said Ty Lue didn’t believe he could get up 12 three-point attempts per game:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 23, 2026
“When I told T-Lue that I’m gonna shoot 12 threes, he said ‘How?’ It was probably about December, I was like ‘You gon see.’”
Kawhi decided when the Clippers were in a slump that he needed… pic.twitter.com/t1FXl0ofZh
Because Leonard is the epitome of a similar playstyle that Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan once had, it is mind-boggling that he agreed to the conclusion of an increase in shot attempts from beyond the arc.
Yet it has worked, as LA has won 14 of its last 17, and Leonard has not been part of a loss since January 7th against the New York Knicks.
The principle, rather than the facts, matters regarding Kawhi Leonard’s volume
Rightfully so, Tyronn Lue had every reason to be shocked by Kawhi Leonard’s newest adventure. It was the perfect time to experiment with something new, yet the idea for Leonard may have been a new formation or style of offense, not double-digit tries from long range.
Furthermore, from when the LA Clippers were 6-21, Leonard has been unsuccessful on his targeted attempts in all but two games. He shot exactly 12 three-pointers against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 20th, 2025, then set a season-high of 16 against the Utah Jazz on January 1st, 2026.
On the contrary, Leonard has still succeeded. The takeaway from his conversation with Jeremy Castleberry was to simply attack from the three-point line. He should not just hunt for the mid-range and the cup.
Thus, unlocking that third level in his game opened the Clippers’ offense and confused every opposing defense. How could someone guard a slasher, mid-range assassin, and three-point sniper all in one, then properly contain James Harden and LA’s role players? It is like trying to achieve a mission impossible.
That said, Leonard gave Castleverry his flowers, and so should all of Clipper Nation. He assisted the face of the franchise effectively, and without this modification, who knows where LA would currently be in the Western Conference?