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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers reacts as he leaves the court after a stop in play against the Denver Nuggets in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on May 01, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
A battle between two California-based teams took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 14. Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers hosted Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings for what turned out to be an upset.
The 17-51 Kings ended up collecting their fifth win in 10 games with a final score of 118-109.
For the Clippers, Saturday’s result was a double loss. They lost the game and lost their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, to an injury.
Before the setback, though, the Clippers watched Leonard’s miraculous run continue as he made Clippers history while he was on the floor.
Kawhi Leonard Makes History Before Injury Scare vs Kings
GettyKawhi Leonard made Los Angeles Clippers history on Saturday. He accomplished the feat just before he went down with an injury.
Leonard needed just 20 points on the night to surpass Bob McAdoo in the Clippers’ history books.
He is now the record-holder for the most consecutive 20-point games in franchise history with 45 in a row. The original record (44) was set during the 1974-1975 season. The Clippers’ franchise wasn’t even in LA yet.
Leonard finished his 26-minute shift with 31 points. He shot 13-23 from the field, making 2-6 threes and going 3-6 from the free-throw line.
In addition to his scoring, Leonard came down with six rebounds while picking up two steals.
The Clippers’ season has been an unexpected roller coaster, but Leonard has been nothing short of fantastic throughout the year.
With 53 games down, the star forward is producing 28.3 points per game, while shooting an efficient 50% from the field and hitting on 37% of his threes. The star forward is coming down with 6.3 rebounds per game, while producing 3.7 assists. He remains a defensive standout at 34 as well.
The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Scare
GettyKawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers is having his best season since joining the team ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season.
Leonard didn’t comment on his setback after the game. The Clippers announced to reporters that the veteran forward is dealing with a sprained left ankle after the game. No further updates were provided.
This season, Leonard has had plenty of luck in the health department. He missed just 14 games. Unfortunately, a 4-10 record in Leonard’s absence is sure to keep the Clippers worried until they get a final word on the star’s recovery timeline.
After Saturday’s loss against the Kings, the Clippers’ record moved to 34-33 on the year. They are 8th in the Western Conference, placing five games behind the Phoenix Suns. The Golden State Warriors are within 1.5 games of the Clippers, but they are falling quickly with four-straight losses, and just three wins to show for in the last 10 games.
The Clippers will get Sunday off to regroup and figure out what’s next for Leonard. On Monday, they are set to host the San Antonio Spurs for a 10 PM ET tip. Soon, the Clippers will find out if Leonard will get a chance to build on his new record—or keep it paused for the time being.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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