The Los Angeles Clippers ushered into a new era this season. For the first time in decades, they had an arena that was exclusively theirs. And the Intuit Dome has been a huge strength for the Clippers this season. However, away from their multi-billion dollar palace, things have been clunky. Amidst their current win spree, they managed to finally find a way past their struggles.
Kawhi Leonard has been an active member of the Clippers during their current stretch of winning six of their last seven games. They have recorded an overtime win and even overthrown some strong opponents. But to the Klaw, the best part about their current stretch is their managing to get past their difficulties on the road.
“I enjoyed the road wins that we got. That’s what we’ve been struggling in I feel like on our road trips so we was able to get two out of three and you know that’s what’s been impressive for me,” the Clippers’ star forward said.
Aside from a seven-point loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers claimed two road wins against the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks. The successful road trip to the East reaffirmed the roster of its potential. Prior to those, the Clippers were just 13-19 on the road. Additionally, Kawhi Leonard seemed to be playing with greater confidence in these games.
Jan 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
He scored 54 points across the two games he played on the road. As the two-time Defensive Player of The Year continues to generate some continuity, his confidence is starting to grow. At first, Leonard wasn’t exerting aggression since he had only just recovered from knee inflammation. The hesitation though is beginning to fade.
“I mean he’s trusting him more. I think he’s feeling more comfortable to be able to pick and choose his spots where he wants to catch the basketball and he’s confident in those areas,” Clippers head coach Ty Lue said about Leonard. As he builds his assertiveness, Lue’s next mission is building chemistry in the Clippers’ second unit.
The likes of Ben Simmons and Bogdanovic are both new entrants for the Clippers. Likewise, getting them up to pace and having them mingle with the players is essential as Lue wants his second unit to “play with a great pace, great flow”.
Teammates are key for a flourishing Kawhi Leonard
Everything is falling into place for the Los Angeles Clippers at just the right time. Not having Leonard of the season allowed for the revival of James Harden. Moreover, the Clippers also gained reliable contributors such as Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell who are both enjoying breakout years.
This though is also helping Kawhi Leonard immensely. Yes, he gets the advantage of having more space and easily navigating to his spots. However, the key benefit to having a range of offensive outlets is the Klaw doesn’t have to be in full gear just yet. Before, the Clippers needed Leonard to go ballistic if they had hopes of competing. Now, he can ease into the postseason. And that’s all thanks to his teammates.
“Just playing more minutes and playing more basketball. I think like I said these games we pretty much need to win these games and obviously you know James been playing at a great level, Zu they are playing great individual basketball being efficient. And You know Bogy being great as well making threes it’s just been a collective group,” he said about his gradual improvements.
What’s happening as a result is Kawhi Leonard gets the opportunity to adapt as he plays more games. Having spent the entire summer rehabbing that’s the only way for him to get going. So with his teammates sharing duties, he is free to get up to speed.
Because although not now, the Clippers will hope to have a full-fledged version of Kawhi Leonard during the postseason. That’s where his health will truly matter. Given how he can effectively turn games on his own accord, the six-time All-Star is in the process of becoming more lethal with the amount of games he plays.
It’s just that he can do so with peace and patience now that Harden, Zubac, and the others are yielding consistent output for the Clippers. The job is still a long way from being finished. But now that health is finally restored for the Clippers, this is where their preparations for the bright lights begin.
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