Kawhi Leonard delivered a career-high 55 points in the LA Clippers’ 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday but elected to sit the final minute to preserve his health. The performance extended the Clippers’ winning streak to four games and showcased Leonard’s recent offensive surge.
Leonard was informed by coach Tyronn Lue he was approaching the franchise scoring record but limited his fourth-quarter minutes to six. He now shares the team mark with James Harden, who previously held it alone.
“Like I told [Lue], I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it,” Leonard said. “Hopefully, we can get another win and be in the same situation. It is what it is.”
Leonard shot 17-of-26 from the field and 16-of-17 from the free throw line in 39 minutes. He scored 26 points in the third quarter alone, though his lone free throw miss in that period ended his franchise-record 64 consecutive made free throws.
Leonard has battled knee injuries in recent years and missed 10 games earlier this season with ankle and foot issues. He reached 40 minutes for the first time this season during last week’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
“He’s finally getting healthy and finally being able to play enough minutes to be very effective,” Lue said. “When he’s healthy, he’s one of the top guys in the league.”
Leonard scored 41 points against Houston on Tuesday, becoming the second player in franchise history to post consecutive 40-point home games alongside Bob McAdoo. He is averaging 39.0 points over his last four games.
“I’m more trying to get guys the ball and sharing it more than what I have been doing,” Leonard said. “But the coaches need me to be aggressive the entire game.”