No, not Arnold Schwarzenegger, but the other guy who plays basketball for that team in Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonardo.
The LA Clippers are coming off their best victory of the season against the Houston Rockets, 128-108. The victory came thanks to Leonard’s 41 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and his incredible 69/80/100 shooting split. Despite his performance, like his character, Leonard remains focused on the mission.
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“It’s a long season, so every time we put this jersey on, you’re going to compete and try to win a basketball game. And that’s what I prioritize. I think everyone else is too,” Leonard said after the game.
It’s been a tough season for the Clippers, who are now 8-21 and in 14th place in the Western Conference, but there are surprisingly enough things the Clippers should be encouraged by.
Kawhi Leonard is completely healthy.
Throughout his six years with the Clippers, it seems as if the “when healthy” stigma has followed Leonard even when he’s perfectly fine. For the season, Leonard is averaging 26.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 2.0 points per game. He is tied for a career-high in steals per game, as well as his free throw percentage of 97.8% for the season! However, his production exceeds the statistical sheet.
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Much of Leonard’s time on the court, he took the lead in guarding Rockets star forward Kevin Durant. It was not an easy task by any means, but Leonard was up for the challenge.
“I mean, they have two Hall of Fame players,” Durant said. “I think they’ve been playing at an elite level the last few years, so Kawhi and James (Harden) can win any night. And tonight, they came out and did it.”
The Rockets did everything they could to try to get Leonard out of the rhythm. They changed coverages, brought in double teams wherever he had the ball, even Rockets forward Tari Eason tried to get physical with Leonard. It just wasn’t enough.
Kawhi Leonard’s mentality reflects ‘The Terminator’
Coming into the season, many expected the Clippers to be a top team primarily due to the presence of their best player. However, due to a combination of injuries, minutes restrictions and a difficult schedule, it has been a difficult 30-game stretch. However, there is a lot to look forward to with the Clippers still in the playoff hunt, despite their poor record.
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For a long 82-game season, where emotions tend to ebb and flow around the team, it is beneficial for your best player to maintain a level of calm. The name “The Terminator” fits Leonard like a glove.