Inglewood, CA (News4usOnline) – The Clippers were a couple of bounces away from suffering their seventh loss in ten games, but Kawhi Leonard‘s shot as time expired hit the back of the rim, the backboard, and then the front of the rim before falling through the net for the game-winner.
The two-time Finals MVP’s heroics instead gave LA the 111-110 overtime win over the Sacramento Kings for their third victory in a row.
Leonard shot poorly from the field for much of the night and was 1-7 from three, but he came through when his team needed him the most. He played 40 minutes for only the second time this season, the other occurrence being last week against the Lakers, when he dropped 33 points.
After slowly ramping up, Leonard has hit his stride, reaching the 20-point mark in six of the team’s previous seven games, averaging 23 points and two steals during the span.
WHAT A SHOT BY KAWHI LEONARD.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 10, 2025
HIM. pic.twitter.com/o7cDfpcJas
“I will go 0-30, but I am going to have the same mindset to keep shooting and this one proves it right here,” said Leonard. “I said this before that this is going to make or break us. We are playing in playoff atmosphere basketball games right now, and with where we are at in the standings, every possession counts.”
Not too long ago, the Clippers were securely in position to finish inside the top six in the West, which would guarantee them a trip to the playoffs. However, they have gone 7-9 since the beginning of February and are bunched up with a group of teams fighting for the four play-in spots.
They are certainly missing Norman Powell right now, who is out with a hamstring injury, and it is up to Leonard to continue carrying a heavy load if they want a chance at moving back into the top six.
Seeing the ball go through the rim in the clutch is exactly what Leonard needed and one shot has the potential to jumpstart a resurgence as the Clippers look to regain momentum down the final stretch.
“Big time players make big time plays and he has done it throughout his entire career. He struggled, but when the time is needed, he steps up and makes a big time shot,” said James Harden. “For him to step up and hit a game winner shows his confidence and type of player that he is.”
When Powell ultimately returns sometime later this month, LA will have four players capable of leading the team in scoring on any given night. The third and fourth-best player on most NBA teams are not on the same level as any of Leonard, Harden, Powell, or Ivica Zubac, giving the Clippers an advantage over most teams. Still, Leonard has to be this version of himself, and will have to be “the guy” for this team to make a deep playoff push.
Harden is great, Powell has been a dynamic scorer this year, and Zubac established himself as a top-ten center this season, but none of them will be the best player on a championship team, something Leonard has achieved twice in his career.
For the Clippers to maximize their potential, #2 has to be number one by taking and making the biggest shots in the biggest moments. If Leonard can do that, their rough February will be a thing of the past.
Featured Image: INGLEWOOD, CA – MARCH 9 : LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks to make a move on Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the NBA game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers on March 09. 2025, at the at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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