Kawhi Leonard is having the best offensive stretch of his illustrious career, and the numbers are almost hard to believe. Since December 20th, Leonard is third the entire NBA in scoring with an average of 31.1 points per game, a remarkable feat for a 34-year-old. He's also riding a career-high 25 consecutive games with at least 20 points, showcasing a level of consistency that even his prime seasons in San Antonio and Toronto couldn't match.
What makes this run even more impressive is Leonard's efficiency. Against the Utah Jazz, he shot 9-18, scoring 21 points in just 28 minutes. Against the Brooklyn Nets, he scored 28 points in a dominant performance that led the Clippers to a 37-point win, while shooting 9-17 from the field.
The offensive explosion isn't just about volume. Leonard is averaging nearly 40% from a distance, with his two-point percentage equivalent to 55.7%. This efficiency transformation has unlocked new dimensions to his game. By taking smarter shots, particularly more threes, the two-time champion is maximizing his scoring impact without sacrificing efficiency.
Kawhi Leonard's physical play has taken a toll
Despite the offensive brilliance, Kawhi Leonard faces a frustrating reality: he's not getting the superstar whistle that other elite scorers receive. It has been happening quite a bit recently, and was one of the reasons the LA Clippers almost blew a massive lead to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The physical treatment Leonard endures would draw flagrant fouls for other stars. Fans watching games have expressed genuine fear about how much contact officials allow defenders to inflict on him, and by playing on another offensive level, one would assume his free-throw attempts would be at its peak.
Thus, Leonard's growth, combined with his offensive dominance, makes him a legitimate MVP candidate despite the Clippers' early-season struggles. If he can stay healthy and maintain this level of play, he's making a strong case for First Team All-NBA honors.
An All-Star snub for Kawhi Leonard would be historic injustice
If the finalized list of All-Star reserves doesn't include Kawhi Leonard after this stretch, it would represent one of the biggest snubs in recent memory. He has been the primary leader on the LA Clippers, who have gone on a 16-3 run, and without his elite scoring and defensive versatility, this team would still be wallowing in the lottery.
The narrative surrounding the Clippers has completely flipped because of Leonard's brilliance. A team that looked ready to give up at 6-21 is now 22-24 and climbing, with realistic playoff aspirations. Leonard has dragged them back from the brink through sheer force of will and extraordinary basketball.
The Clippers need Leonard in the All-Star Game not just for recognition but for validation. This turnaround story deserves to be celebrated, and Leonard's individual excellence is at its heart. If he's left off the roster, it will say more about the flawed selection process than his actual performance.