The Clippers' formula for wins has primarily surrounded Kawhi Leonard since he began his next chapter with LA in 2019. Typically, when he plays well on both sides of the ball, the Clippers win and can go bucket-for-bucket with any contender in the NBA.
However, the Clippers are undoubtedly the league's most dangerous squad when Leonard dominates. No matter the size and physicality of the defender, he will make shots over anyone and effectively deflect the ball en route to more points off turnovers.
Leonard has also played long enough to understand the ways around double teams, where he has ridiculously talented shooters around him, such as James Harden, Norman Powell, and Derrick Jones Jr.
Nonetheless, this is how Leonard has been playing lately, and unsurprisingly, the Clippers have been among the hottest teams in the league.
Kawhi Leonard's recent dominance shows the LA Clippers are top-tier contenders in the west
Head coach Tyronn Lue's game plan when Kawhi Leonard is scorching must be to find him the ball. This not only provides Leonard with lanes to score, but when he is cornered, a former MVP in James Harden will likely not have a defender in sight.
Moreover, through 10 games in March, the two-time champion is averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, with a field goal percentage of 52.1 and a three-point percentage of 40.0.
Against two tough opponents, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, Leonard demonstrated his composure as Lue's number main option. He had the ball in his hands numerous times in game-changing situations and scored nearly every time.
Over Cleveland, Leonard scored 33 in 35 minutes. He led the Clippers in shots taken and points and was automatic from his go-to fadeaway in the midrange. The Cavaliers had run out of solutions but to contest cleanly.
Furthermore, the Clippers may have lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Leonard was a force to be reckoned with. He played 40 minutes and posted 25 points on 10-20 shooting.
These two performances specifically assure heavy promise among Clipper Nation. They show fans how much damage Leonard can do against teams with exceptional records.
That said, a healthy Leonard playing the way he is confirms playoff success for the Clippers. He is the x-factor and will be at the forefront of LA's run to the NBA Finals.