Kawhi Leonard delivered the finest scoring display of his NBA career, yet chose caution over a personal milestone as the Los Angeles Clippers continued their winning run.
What happened in the Clippers’ win over Detroit?
Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 55 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112–99 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Inglewood on Sunday night (local time).
The performance saw Leonard equal the Clippers’ all-time single-game scoring record, a mark previously set by James Harden, but he stopped short of attempting to break it outright.
Rather than chase history, Leonard left the court late in the fourth quarter with the result secure, prioritising fitness after a season disrupted by injuries.
Kawhi Leonard: “I’d rather be able to play the next game than push it too far. Hopefully, we’re in this position again.”
How strong was Leonard’s shooting night?
Leonard’s display was not only explosive but also highly efficient, underlining his growing rhythm after recent injury setbacks.
KAWHI LEONARD TONIGHT:
55 POINTS
11 REBOUNDS
5 STEALS
3 BLOCKS
65% FGpic.twitter.com/lli0cRdA9s— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 29, 2025
Match performance at a glance
- 55 total points
- 17 made shots from 26 attempts
- 16 successful free throws from 17
- 39 minutes on court
- 26 points scored in the third quarter
One missed free throw ended Leonard’s club-record streak of 64 consecutive makes and denied him the outright franchise record.
Why did the Clippers limit his minutes late on?
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard was aware of the scoring record but agreed to limit his involvement once the game was under control.
Leonard had only recently returned to extended playing time, having missed 10 matches earlier in the campaign due to ankle and foot problems.
Tyronn Lue: “He’s getting healthier and able to stay on the floor longer. When Kawhi is fit, he’s one of the very best in the league.”
The forward played just six minutes in the final quarter, his heaviest workload of the season, managed carefully.
What does this mean for the Clippers’ form?
The win extended the Clippers’ season-best winning streak to four games, with Leonard’s scoring surge driving the turnaround.
Across his last four outings, Leonard is averaging:
- 39 points per game
- Back-to-back 40-plus point home performances
Only Bob McAdoo had previously achieved consecutive 40-point home games for the franchise, placing Leonard in elite company.
Teammate James Harden praised both the style and substance of the display:
James Harden: “It looked effortless. He gets to his spots and controls the game. Seeing what he’s battled through makes it even better.”
Is Leonard changing his style of play?
Leonard admitted post-match that his approach is evolving, particularly with an increased focus on long-range shooting to match the modern NBA game.
Kawhi Leonard: “It’s about adapting, taking more threes and staying aggressive when the team needs it.”
The adjustment reflects a league-wide shift towards perimeter scoring and could prove decisive as the Clippers build momentum.
Why does this matter to UK sports fans?
Although the NBA sits outside the UK sporting mainstream, Leonard’s decision-making mirrors issues familiar to British sport: workload management, injury prevention, and longevity.
Much like elite footballers in the Premier League, Leonard’s choice highlights how modern athletes balance performance with long-term health.
