Clippers Surge Towards Playoff Position Amid Leonard’s Dominance

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Los Angeles Clippers are making a strong push for playoff positioning as they continue to find momentum heading into the final weeks of the NBA regular season. In their recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, star forward Kawhi Leonard delivered a commanding performance, scoring 31 points with impressive efficiency, as the Clippers won decisively.

With just over two minutes left in the first half, Leonard’s impressive instincts shone through when he intercepted a pass and converted it into a breakaway dunk. Moments later, Leonard hit a 34-foot three-pointer, effectively putting the game out of reach as the Clippers dominated the competitive aspects of the matchup.

“For him to come back and do what he’s doing now, we knew he would get to this level,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “And when he did, we’re a different team. You can see that right now.”

Leonard’s performance was characteristic of his resurgence, having averaged 25.2 points per game in March, notably scoring at least 20 points in 12 of 13 games. This marks a significant improvement from earlier in the season, when he struggled to find his rhythm following an extensive recovery from knee surgery. Leonard’s minutes have increased dramatically, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently while remaining healthy.

“Just getting healthy, I think trusting it,” Lue added. “Understanding he can play and go all out without feeling any pain or any swelling.”

Leonard’s increase in scoring is reflective of both his health and an uptick in playing time, with his minutes climbing from 24.2 in January to 36.3 in March. His return to form has coincided with the Clippers winning 11 of their last 16 games, positioning them favorably in the Western Conference playoff race.

In contrast, the Clippers’ upcoming opponents have faced ongoing challenges. The New Orleans Pelicans, who the Clippers will face next, have struggled due to injuries and will be without key players, including Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, for the remainder of the season. This gives the Clippers an opportunity to capitalize as they embark on a five-game homestand.

“I’m following the standings all the time, especially with this play-in stuff when you are trying to stay out of that,” Clippers guard Norman Powell said. The playoff race remains tight as the Clippers seek to solidify their position among the top six seeds in the Western Conference.

The Clippers currently hold a record of 43-32, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for eighth place. A successful homestand could significantly boost their playoff hopes and help them avoid the Play-In Tournament.

As the season winds down, Leonard emphasized the importance of staying healthy leading into the offseason, noting, “I want to get to the summer healthy, so I can have a great summer and come in and have a good year overall.” The sentiment underscores the significance of maintaining health amid the grind of an NBA season.

The Clippers’ challenge will be to sustain their momentum as they navigate a busy schedule, with games against the Mavericks and Spurs in the coming days. With Leonard back at peak performance and Powell contributing significantly, the Clippers look poised to make a strong finish this season.