Wed Dec 31 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Leonard’s Career-High 55 Points Propel Clippers to Victory Over Pistons
INGLEWOOD, CA – Kawhi Leonard put on a scoring clinic Sunday night, dropping a career-high 55 points to lead the LA Clippers to a dominant 112-99 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons. The win marked the Clippers’ fourth straight, a season-best winning streak fueled in large part by Leonard’s recent offensive explosion.
Despite being within striking distance of the Clippers’ franchise scoring record, Leonard opted to prioritize long-term health and another opportunity for victory, checking out of the game with just under a minute remaining. He now shares the team record for points in a game with teammate James Harden.
“Like I told [Lue], I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it,” Leonard said after the game. “Hopefully, we can get another win and be in the same situation. It is what it is.”
Harden playfully teased Leonard about his long-awaited 50-point performance, celebrating the accomplishment in the locker room. He lauded Leonard’s efficiency and dedication. “It was a beautiful thing to see how efficient, how effortless it was,” Harden said. “He got to whatever spot he wanted to.” He emphasized Leonard’s hard work and the challenges he’s overcome to reach this level of performance.
Leonard’s resurgence comes after battling knee injuries in recent years. After sitting out 10 games earlier this season due to ankle and foot issues, he’s finally playing consistent minutes. Coach Tyronn Lue praised Leonard’s health and effectiveness. “He’s finally getting healthy and finally being able to play enough minutes to be very effective,” Lue said. “When he’s healthy, he’s one of the top guys in the league. We’ve been able to see that of late.”
Prior to his stellar performance against the Pistons, Leonard scored 41 points against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, making him only the second player in franchise history to score at least 40 points in back-to-back home games. He also saw his franchise-record run of 64 consecutive free throws end on Sunday.
Averaging 39 points over the past four games, Leonard emphasized his focus on team play despite his recent scoring surge. “I’m more trying to get guys the ball and sharing it more than what I have been doing,” Leonard stated, adding, “But the coaches need me to be aggressive the entire game.”
This evolution of his game, including an increased emphasis on three-point shooting, reflects Leonard’s commitment to adapting and thriving in the modern NBA.
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