Kawhi Leonard Shines Amid Clippers’ Bumpy Start to the Season

INGLEWOOD, CA — The LA Clippers have exhibited a mixed performance at the start of the 2025 NBA season, with Kawhi Leonard playing a pivotal role. On October 31, 2025, Leonard scored a season-high 34 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, helping secure a narrow 126-124 victory.

Leonard’s strong showing—including a buzzer-beater to win the game—was overshadowed by the team’s struggles to maintain leads, leading to a dramatic finish. The Clippers led by 17 points in the second half, only to nearly succumb to a comeback by the winless Pelicans.

“We can’t keep letting leads slip away,” Leonard remarked post-game. “It shouldn’t come down to the last shot.” Despite his heroics, the team is still grappling with inconsistencies that left them overmatched in games against the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors earlier this season.

This season, Leonard is averaging 23.8 points and has shown solid shooting percentages. He is converting 51.2 percent from the field and impressively hitting 21 of 22 free-throw attempts, showcasing his efficiency even under pressure.

However, some games have highlighted the weaknesses in the Clippers’ performance. In a matchup against the Jazz, the team gave up 129 points, struggling defensively and finding themselves outscored significantly during Leonard’s minutes. These issues persisted despite Leonard’s strong individual numbers against teams they had previously excelled against.

Head coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged that the season’s early stages are a time for adjustments. “It’s a process,” Lue stated as the team gears up for back-to-back games against the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder. He believes that their rotations still need refining, but noted Leonard’s positive attitude and commitment to improvement.

Leonard emphasized the importance of teamwork and support in overcoming these hurdles. “It’s great for any of us to get going early. It excites everybody and our defensive play motivates the team,” he explained. “We just have to keep working and figure things out.”

With a 3-2 record so far, the Clippers hope to find their footing as they navigate the challenges of the season. As Leonard continues to recover from past injuries and plays without restrictions, the pressure will be on both him and the team to translate individual performances into consistent victories.