The on-court admiration LA Clipper fans and the NBA community have for Kawhi Leonard is seemingly unmatched league-wide. He is an absurd competitor, and his peers greatly respect him. He simply arrives, dominates both ends, and immediately focuses on the next matchup.
Furthermore, this mindset is one of the reasons Leonard's days with the Clippers will be cemented in history. He is unlike the modern-era superstars, and fans love him for it.
A detail of Leonard's game that is often not mentioned is his IQ. When the ball is under his control, the two-time champion is locked in on exploiting a mismatch. This uncomplicates the game, and he has made a living off this trait throughout his veteran career.
However, off the ball, Leonard is not only looking out for himself but also his teammates. There are numerous instances where he is caught setting up stars like James Harden or Norman Powell for a wide-open three-ball just by setting a screen or pointing to an uncovered area.
In the losing effort against the Los Angeles Lakers, Leonard may have had the best performance of his 19 outings. He posted 33 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes, shooting 13-23 with three three-point makes.
Moreover, in the fourth quarter, when the Clippers made a forceful push to even the score, Leonard was seen being extremely vocal toward his big man to seal the defense behind him for an easy basket. The possession resulted in two points, and Leonard's eye for the game was again proven.
Kawhi Leonard shows an unusual trait that concludes in an effortless basket for the Clippers
As the LA Clippers' primary superstar, head coach Tyronn Lue anticipates Kawhi Leonard being vocal on the floor. He must express his perception of the game to his teammates, coaches, and referees when needed.
Conversely, to fans, Leonard is widely regarded as a quiet individual. This has been established in his character for his whole career and is part of what makes him the player he is.
On the contrary, fans at the game and on social media witnessed Leonard stepping out of his comfort zone against the Los Angeles Lakers by voicing to the starting center, Ivica Zabac, that a mismatch was easily attainable.
This might be the loudest I've ever heard Kawhi on the court, he's screaming for Zu to post up Luka and well it works out. pic.twitter.com/XYLvZhx0Wp
— Mo Dakhil (@MoDakhil_NBA) March 3, 2025
Zubac heard Leonard, immediately gained position on his defender, and scored one of his easiest baskets of the night.
Despite losing the game, this sequence was picture-perfect for Clipper Nation.