Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers scores 19 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Rockets.
HOUSTON — LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard executed a 13-foot turnaround fadeaway while being closely guarded by Amen Thompson and Jae’Sean Tate, completing a three-point play with just 2 seconds remaining on Wednesday night, securing a 105-102 win against the Houston Rockets.
“I attempted to create something to the left, noticed a double team,” Leonard explained. “So I spun around, found my spot, and shot over the top.”
Tate was called for a foul during the play, and Leonard converted the ensuing free throw, finishing the game with a high of 27 points, including 19 in the final quarter of a contest where the Clippers had trailed by as much as 15 points. This performance marked Leonard’s 33rd consecutive game scoring 20 or more points, ranking as the third-longest streak in a single season and the fourth-longest overall in Clippers’ history, according to ESPN Research.
Leonard has recorded 15 or more points in the fourth quarter five times this season, the second-most in the NBA, trailing only Donovan Mitchell (8).
“He’s a shot maker,” stated Rockets forward Kevin Durant. “He can score from anywhere on the court. With a few players missing, they rely on him for most of the game. He remains patient out there, one of the greatest ever. You have to be cautious of a player like that throughout the game.”
The Clippers bounced back from a loss to the Rockets the previous night and improved their record to 20-7 since December 20, the best in the NBA during that timeframe. Leonard’s decisive basket contributed to the Clippers’ perfect 7-0 record in clutch situations during this period.
“Just give him the ball and step aside,” Clippers guard Kris Dunn remarked about Leonard. “Prepare for defense, honestly. He’s among the best at finding his spot. Once he gets into a rhythm, it’s just him and the basket.”
Houston seemed ready to dominate early, establishing a 15-point lead with 1:27 left in the first half following a Durant fadeaway jumper. In the first three quarters, Leonard managed only 3-of-10 shooting, totaling eight points and four turnovers, as Houston consistently applied pressure with double teams.
“I wasn’t even aware,” Leonard commented regarding his struggles in the initial three quarters. “That’s part of the game. You have to keep shooting regardless of the outcome. That’s what I did. I don’t focus on makes or misses. I’m going to keep shooting to help win the game.”
Leonard certainly did just that, beginning the final quarter by hitting his first four shots and making a couple of free throws. A finger roll by Leonard with 9:23 remaining gave the Clippers their first lead of the second half. He finally missed his first shot of the quarter with 6:55 left, while the Clippers were ahead 89-82.
After starting the season with a 16-3 home record, the Rockets have gone 2-4 in their last six games at Toyota Center. Houston committed 21 turnovers, which the Clippers converted into 23 points. Durant matched a season high with eight turnovers.
“I feel like they are fully committed to stopping some of my plays, especially in the pick-and-roll,” Durant noted. “I’ve never encountered this before. When my teammates are in the corner with me and Alpi (Alperen Sengun) in the pick-and-roll, they leave their assignments in the corner and essentially create an extra defender against the pick-and-roll. They were trying to intercept those pocket passes to Alpi. They trapped me heavily at the top. Sometimes I don’t see that third defender coming in for the steal. Usually, that pass is available. Then, boom, steal.”
