Kawhi Leonard told teammates they must pay after his 55-point scoring performance

It’s not all about scoring, but it helps. Kawhi Leonard may have had more trophy-filled nights, more influential performances, but never had he scored so many points in a single night.

In a dazzling display that reminded the basketball world of his elite scoring prowess, Kawhi Leonard delivered the performance of his NBA career on Sunday as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Detroit Pistons 112‑99 in California.

Leonard’s 55 points set a new personal scoring high and helped spark a season‑best four‑game winning streak for Los Angeles.

From the opening whistle, Leonard looked unstoppable. The veteran forward attacked relentlessly like a Monday morning honey badger, finishing 17‑of‑26 from the field, sinking five 3‑pointers, going 16‑of‑17 from the stripe. He also managed 11 rebounds, five steals, and blocked three shots, thundering his way across the court at every moment.

Leonard’s scoring clinic dominated the third quarter, where he put up 26 points and effectively put the game out of reach for Detroit. However, despite nearing the franchise’s all‑time scoring mark for a single game, he chose to sit out the final moments to preserve energy for upcoming contests.

“We have one day off and then games for about two weeks”

“Like I told [Lue], I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it,” Leonard said in the aftermath. “Hopefully, we can get another win and be in the same situation. It is what it is.”

“It was great,” he added. “I have to stay focused and maintain my zen because we have one day off and then games for about two weeks. I’m going to enjoy this one tonight and am happy we got the win.”

His teammates were clearly happy with his performance, celebrating with the veteran in the locker room after the game, soaking Leonard with water. “I’m sending all y’all an invoice. Y’all gotta get my hair braided again,” he joked.

“It was a beautiful thing to see how efficient, how effortless it was‚” Harden said of Leonard’s performance after the game. “It was just so smooth. He got to whatever spot he wanted to and once you get to that spot it’s not even about the defender. It’s about him making the shot.

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“Overly happy for him because behind the scenes you watch somebody and how hard they work. ... For him, what he had to battle through just to go out there and be himself was a beautiful thing to see.”

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