The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t break a sweat to beat the New Orleans Pelicans. However, there was a moment of disagreement between their two biggest stars. In the third quarter, James Harden came off strongly when instructing Kawhi Leonard. A first look at it would suggest some discourse in LA. However, when it happens regularly, there’s often something deeper in such conversations.
Leonard spoke about it after his 28 point performance against the Pelicans. In his eyes, it isn’t uncommon for them to have such ineractions nor will it be the last. But it’s not because they constantly disagree. Both Leonard and Harden are passionate about their chances of winning. To achieve their goals though, communication is key.
“That’s not the only exchange that we had in today’s game or throughout the whole year. So it’s about what we’re doing and what we not executing. We had words for each other there and you know you’re just playing basketball. It’s chemistry, it’s knowing that your brother got your back,” the Klaw said about the interaction.
It is a surprise though. Kawhi Leonard is a lot of things. A lethal two-way threat, a proven playoff hero and more. But hims expressive side have never really been highlighted. Rather, it’s his stoic nature that at times baffles the NBA. So what helps him take the step with James Harden? It’s the Beard’s openness.
Mar 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) warms up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
“It’s been pretty transparent since he’s been here… It was a thing that we all needed to do you know and it’s good for the team, our teammates to see it. Like I said because it just wasn’t for us it’s for everybody on the floor,” Kawhi Leonard further commented.
Communication and accountability are qualities of a great team. Since Kawhi Leonard’s return, the Los Angeles Clippers have been soaring. Harden sees the change and they both want to build a healthy enviroment for teammates to follow their footsteps. Arguments are only hurtful if they are intended for that purpose. In this case, it’s meant to get on the same page to avoid errors in the future.
Kawhi Leonard doesn’t care about the standings
There’s only one story coming out of the Western Conference. NBA fans are wondering which teams occupy the top 6 spots. Even with each team having less than 10 games remaining, the table can still shift drastically. The Clippers’ victory tonight sees three teams tied with the same record. But there’s only one spot to fight for.
The sixth seed is what the Clippers, Grizzlies and the Timberwolves are all after given the Warriors have successful results from here on out. Being below means having to go through the excruciating Play-In Tournament. No team wants to play additional games before the playoffs.
Kawhi Leonard maybe wants atleast the sixth seed. However, he isn’t shaken by how favorable their matchups might be. Even if the Clippers have to play the higher seeds first, The Klaw thinks it doesn’t matter.
“I do watch games but for me you know winning is whoever you put in front of you. So whoever it is you got to beat them to to win the ultimate goal,” Leonard said about seeding.
The playoffs are tiring and dictated by how prepared teams are. Playing the best teams at the very beginning not only thins the margin for error but doesn’t give players much time to adapt to the intensity. Of course, for players like Kawhi Leonard and Harden, they are well versed in absorbing the pressure.
So it’s fiting to see Leonard be unbothered about their seeding. What he wants is for them to be in the playoffs. After that, it’s about being the better team on that particular day.
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