NBA information: Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard goes for 55 in win over Pistons

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Kawhi Leonard did every part he may on Sunday night time to ship an upset victory for the Los Angeles Clippers in opposition to the Detroit Pistons.

The Clippers have been one of many worst groups within the Western Convention by way of the primary 31 video games of the common season, whereas the Pistons have been among the best within the Jap Convention. Leonard confirmed he nonetheless had some gasoline within the tank.

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Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard controls the ball through the second half of an NBA basketball recreation in opposition to the Detroit Pistons, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Picture/William Liang)

He scored 55 factors in Los Angeles’ 112-99 victory. He was 17-of-26 from the sector and nailed 5 3-pointers. He added 11 rebounds, 5 steals and three blocks to his stat line. It was the primary time in his profession he scored at the least 50 factors in a recreation.

The 55-point whole additionally tied a Clippers franchise file. He shared the overall with teammate James Harden . Leonard had an opportunity to interrupt it however he saved his fourth-quarter time to simply six minutes and left the sport with below a minute to go.

"Like I advised (Clippers head coach Ty Lue), I might slightly play one other recreation than go on the market and danger it," Leonard mentioned. "Hopefully we are able to get one other win and be in the identical state of affairs. It's what it's."

Harden was teasing Leonard about taking lengthy sufficient to succeed in at the least 50 factors in a single recreation.

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Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) drives the ball whereas below stress from Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard through the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Picture/William Liang)

"It was a stupendous factor to see how environment friendly, how easy it was," Harden mentioned after the sport. "It was simply so easy. He bought to no matter spot he needed to and when you get to that spot it’s not even concerning the defender. It’s about him making the shot.

"Overly pleased for him as a result of behind the scenes you watch anyone and the way exhausting they work. ... For him, what he needed to battle by way of simply to go on the market and be himself was a stupendous factor to see."

Leonard has slowly been ramping again up to the mark as he’s handled ankle and foot accidents this season on prime of the knee points which have plagued him his total profession. He already missed 10 video games this season. He performed 40 minutes for the primary time final week in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers and did it once more Friday night time.

"He’s lastly getting wholesome and eventually having the ability to play sufficient minutes to be very efficient," Lue mentioned. "When he’s wholesome, he’s one of many prime guys within the league. We’ve been capable of see that of late."

Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham communicate after an NBA basketball recreation, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Picture/William Liang)