The fans who watched Kawhi Leonard put on a masterpiece Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans witnessed how generational he is when healthy. His pump-fake to game-winner, plus all of the points he scored prior, demonstrate that all he needs to do is turn back the clock, and the LA Clippers will be victorious in the NBA Finals.
Moreover, Leonard posted 34 points, five rebounds, five assists, and six steals in the two-point win on a team that LA struggles mightily against. The two-time champion also went 11-16 from the floor with five three-pointers.
Thus, this was a vintage performance from Leonard. His offense was sharp and on point, while his defense was quick and reactive, despite receiving criticism for entering the next stage of his career: a decline.
The LA Clippers' championship formula requires offense and health from Kawhi Leonard
The LA Clippers have three wins this season, and in these games, Kawhi Leonard has made it simple on what needs to be done for his team to win. In fact, almost all of it pertains to his offensive game.
The Clippers got their first win of the year against the Phoenix Suns, with Leonard recording 27 points on 52.4% shooting from the field.
He proceeded to drop 30 points on the Portland Trail Blazers, which turned out to be a close win. This made the correlation between his offense and the Clippers' outcome crystal clear.
Furthermore, with 34 posted on the New Orleans Pelicans, Leonard proved that the Clippers could win almost every game they play if he scores 25 or more consistently. This is unlikely, as he has not averaged these types of numbers since 2019-20, but if he can just get close, LA will surely not be seeded below fourth at the end of the year.
However, Leonard's scoring will only be of value if he plays at least 60% of the Clippers' season. Though there is doubt it will occur, if it does, LA's drought for an NBA title will end, as his presence is more important than anything on LA's list of requirements.
That said, Tyronn Lue should not view winning in the regular season as rocket science. His schemes for the entire team are pivotal, but if Leonard has play calls set up specifically for him through screens and switches, then the Clippers will get close to their championship goals in June.