Kawhi Leonard under the spotlight following Clippers coach Tyronn Lue’s bold warning to NBA

After Kawhi Leonard’s brilliant performance in Game 2 of the playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, head coach Tyronn Lue sent a clear message to the NBA regarding the Los Angeles Clippers‘ postseason aspirations this year.

“We know if we have a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series,” Lue said during the postgame press conference following their 105-102 win at Ball Arena on Monday night, which allowed the Clippers to even the first-round series in the Western Conference at 1-1.

Leonard was the undisputed star of the night, leading the team with 39 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, one block, an efficient 15-of-19 from the field, and 4-of-7 from three-point range. “That shows you tonight what he’s capable of doing,” the coach said of the forward’s performance.

The level Kawhi displayed not only helped the Clippers get back on track in their quest to reach the semifinals, but also served as a reminder to his critics that he’s still the same 2-time NBA champion and 2-time NBA Finals MVP.

“This is what Kawhi lives for… trying to get to this point where he’s healthy for the playoffs,” Tyronn Lue reflected, referencing the physical challenges Leonard had to overcome over the past year. “Every time someone gives up on him, he comes back.”

James Harden also praised Kawhi Leonard

In addition to Tyronn Lue, Kawhi Leonard received high praise from the Clippers’ other superstar, James Harden. The 35-year-old guard highlighted his teammate’s performance and made it clear that Leonard deserves more credit. “It’s always negative. It’s always what he’s been through and what he’s not able to do,” James said about the criticism Kawhi often faces.

“We don’t appreciate how great he is when he’s actually out there and putting up performances like this tonight… It’s always the negative. It’s always the hate. It’s something we gotta live with, I guess, in this world,” Harden added.

Kawhi Leonard is regaining top form

Throughout 2024, Kawhi Leonard dealt with physical issues that kept him off the court for an extended period. In fact, he didn’t make his 2024–25 season debut until January 4, after missing the first 34 games of the campaign and forcing James Harden to carry the load as the Clippers’ primary leader during that stretch.

Since returning, the forward has steadily increased his minutes. In January, he averaged around 25 minutes per game; in February, that climbed to over 30 minutes; and during the decisive stretch of the regular season, he played as much as needed—highlighted by a 47-minute effort against the Golden State Warriors.

Now in the playoffs, Leonard appears to be in peak condition, and Tyronn Lue is showing full confidence in him. In Game 1 against the Nuggets, he logged 41 minutes, and in Monday’s game, he played 39. With Kawhi at full strength and Harden backing him up, the Clippers are a dangerous threat in the West.