Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) runs back up court during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) runs back up court during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard is widely regarded as one of the best two-way players in NBA history. Along with incredible physical tools such as length and athleticism, Leonard also possesses the conditioning and the instincts to solidify his reputation as an elite defender.
One of the key factors that made the Los Angeles Clippers‘ superstar pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George so lethal was the combined two-way potential. With two of the best wing defenders in the game on the same team, the Clippers were a threat. However, in a recent video, Leonard couldn’t help but be shocked to see his former teammate get scored on.
In a recent 1v1 matchup against Chinese streetballer Bai Jing during his latest China tour, Paul George conceded 60 points in an eventual 101-60 win. Needless to say, Leonard was at a loss for words, as he reacted:
“What is this? This guy’s over here playing pros, and he scored 60 points on Paul George? Who is this? What is this?”
At this point, the person recording the video confirmed that it was the “Jimeng 116 100-point Challenge.” To this, Leonard added:
“Man, there’s no way he’d score 10 points on me. I’ll lock this dude up. He looks trash!”
— Whi2Ximes (@Kawhidagoat1) August 10, 2026
Although Paul George eventually won the Star Street 1v1 Battle against Bai Jing, it is evident that Kawhi Leonard had greater expectations of his former teammate. While it goes without saying that a game to 101 points is bound to be an exhausting affair, allowing an opponent, especially one who isn’t playing professionally in the NBA, to score 60 points is rather unexpected.
Paul George went to China for the Star Street 1v1 Battle and beat Bai Jing 101-60!!!! pic.twitter.com/bwkoMsKSaz
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 27, 2026
Still, the matchup between George and Bai Jing seemed interesting. Given that it was also part of George’s China tour, there is reason to believe that Kawhi Leonard’s reaction was intentionally excessive, potentially positioned as a promotional stunt, as the superstar is also gearing up for his tour of China.
The seven-time All-Star announced his upcoming Asia tour on Katch’s official Instagram page, sharing:
“Hong Kong fans! Thank you for inviting me. I’ll be there August 15th at the Kai Tak Arena. August 15th in Hong Kong. I’m super excited to come. Thanks for inviting me. Let’s have a good time. Let’s get it.”
Kawhi Leonard has famously toured China twice – once in 2017 with the San Antonio Spurs and then again last year with the Los Angeles Clippers. His second trip was particularly noteworthy as it involved meeting with Chinese rookie phenom Yang Hansen and sharing valuable advice.
This time around, however, things could be slightly different. While Kawhi Leonard will undoubtedly be preoccupied with the tour, the ongoing investigation into the salary cap scandal involving him and the Clippers will be a point of concern.
Although recent updates point toward positive outcomes, it is difficult to forecast how things will play out. All things considered, there is a growing belief within Leonard’s camp that matters will blow over smoothly, eventually allowing him to join the Toronto Raptors by the time training camp begins.