Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard joins exclusive NBA list after dominant performance against Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets entered Game 2 of the playoffs as favorites. However, the Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a tight 105–102 win. The spotlight was on Nikola Jokic before the game, but Kawhi Leonard ended up stealing the show with a brilliant performance. He led the Clippers’ offense and dominated statistically. As a result, Kawhi became the best player on the court and joined an exclusive NBA list.

Leonard added his name to an exclusive list of NBA greats. With his latest performance, he became only the third player, alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to score 30 or more points in four playoff games while shooting at least 75 percent from the field. Despite this historic achievement, Leonard’s name still does not get the same recognition as other stars in the league.

Kawhi Leonard emerged as the offensive leader against Denver Nuggets on the playoffs. He scored 39 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. This kind of performance is not new. He scored more than 27 points in three of the last five games. Along with James Harden, Leonard continues to drive the team’s attack. Together, they form the core of the franchise’s offensive power.

Kawhi Leonard reveals real reason behind NBA comeback after years of injury setbacks

Kawhi Leonard has been in good form, but injuries have seriously affected his career. In June 2021, he tore his ACL. Two years later, he suffered a torn meniscus. He tried to recover but could not fully bounce back. As a result, he dealt with knee inflammation. In April 2024, he had to undergo surgery. Considering all these setbacks, many believed his motivation would drop. He had been sidelined for a long time.

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on April 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

However, the reality is quite the opposite. Leonard recovered in time and explained what drives him to return. “I love the game. I have a passion for it still. I love to compete out there…That’s pretty much what drives me back. Everything has its ups and downs. You have to go through that in life and just keep going.”

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Besides, he admitted he does not feel pressure to prove anything. He simply wants to play basketball and enjoy it. At the same time, he remains focused on winning titles. Now that the Clippers are in the playoffs, his motivation is only growing stronger.