Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers is having a great season.
The Los Angeles Clippers are beginning to see the full impact of their midseason shift — and Kawhi Leonard is making it clear that Darius Garland is central to that evolution.
“You see that he’s enjoying the game and he’s just loving it,” Leonard said. “I’ve played with guys like that before… he’s doing a great job, man.”
Since acquiring Garland in a trade that sent James Harden out, the Clippers have leaned into a faster, more spaced offensive identity — one that is beginning to produce results.
Los Angeles is 8-3 with Garland in the lineup and 8-2 when both Garland and Leonard share the floor.
Garland’s Range Changing the Geometry
Darius Garland of the LA Clippers
GettyDarius Garland of the LA Clippers reacts after making a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors.
Garland’s impact starts well beyond the box score.
His ability to shoot comfortably from deep range has forced defenses to extend further than usual, opening space across the floor.
“Just extends the defense out further,” Leonard said. “Creating new gaps… easier to drive to the basket when they’re extended.”
That spacing has reshaped how the Clippers generate offense, particularly in pick-and-roll actions that now begin higher on the floor.
“It just extends them,” Leonard added. “Now a pick and roll is being set higher… everybody has more room to operate.”
The effect is subtle but significant — defenders are forced to choose between stepping up or collapsing, creating constant tension in coverage.
Playmaking Ripple Effect
Garland finished Wednesday’s 119-94 win over the Toronto Raptors with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, along with six assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block in 30 minutes.
But Leonard emphasized that Garland’s value goes beyond scoring.
“He’s just getting everybody involved… some open looks, three-point shots, cutting to the basket,” Leonard said. “I like what he’s doing for everybody. It’s not just about myself.”
Garland has now scored at least 20 points in seven of his last nine games, averaging 23.1 points and 7.2 assists over that stretch as he grows more comfortable in the Clippers’ system.
Leonard’s Consistency Anchoring the Offense
While Garland adjusts, Leonard continues to anchor the offense with steady production.
He recorded 27 points, six rebounds and two assists in Wednesday’s win, extending his streak to 11 consecutive games with at least 25 points.
During that stretch, Leonard is averaging 30.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
“It’s everything,” Leonard said of consistency. “That’s how you build championship habits… just trying to win more than anything because the numbers will change.”
Garland’s presence has eased some of the offensive burden, allowing Leonard to operate with more space and fewer defensive collapses.
Respect Built From Experience
Leonard was not surprised by Garland’s offensive versatility, having faced him as an opponent.
“Oh yeah… All-Star talent,” Leonard said. “Can score at three levels… mid-range, floaters, layups, threes. So, he pretty much has it.”
That familiarity has helped accelerate their on-court chemistry, particularly as the Clippers integrate Garland into a system built around efficiency and spacing.
Clippers Gaining Ground in Playoff Race
The Clippers have won three straight games and are climbing in a tightly packed Western Conference.
They currently hold a half-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 8 seed and sit two games ahead of the Golden State Warriors.
With the regular season winding down, the team’s ability to sustain this momentum could determine its postseason path.
A Trade That’s Beginning to Click
The decision to move on from Harden in favor of a younger guard was a calculated risk.
But Garland’s ability to stretch defenses, create opportunities and elevate teammates has given the Clippers a different offensive dynamic — one that aligns with Leonard’s methodical approach.
As the Clippers continue to build around their new backcourt pairing, the early signs suggest the move may have come at exactly the right time.