Kawhi Leonard is a six-time All-Star, a six-time All-NBA player, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and he has two championship rings — winning Finals MVP with both.
But he has never had a night like Sunday.
Leonard scored a career-high 55 points to lead the Clippers to their fourth straight win, beating the East-leading Pistons 112-99.
A MASTERPIECE FROM KAWHI LEONARD!
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025
🖐️ 55 PTS (career-high)
🖐️ 11 REB
🖐️ 5 STL
🖐️ 3 BLK
🖐️ 5 3PM
That ties the Clippers franchise record for PTS in a game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PMacnRiUxW
Those 55 points tie the Clippers’ franchise high as well, set by Leonard’s teammate James Harden in 2023. Leonard also becomes just the second player in Clippers history to score 40+ points in consecutive games, going back to Bob McAdoo in Buffallo.
Leonard scored 26 of those points in a dominant third quarter, and could have gotten the Clippers single game record if he wanted but played just six minutes in the fourth quarter of a game the Clippers controlled.
“Like I told (coach Tyronn Lue), I would rather play another game than go out there and risk it,” Leonard said postgame, via the Associated Press. “Hopefully we can get another win and be in the same situation. It is what it is.”
Leonard knocked down five 3-pointers, made 16-of-17 free throws, and pulled down 11 rebounds. He got some help from Harden, who scored 28.
The Clippers held Cade Cunningham scoreless in the first half, but he still finished with 27 to lead the Pistons.
