In a pivotal Game 3 that could swing the momentum of the entire series, Kawhi Leonard reminded everyone exactly why he’s nicknamed “The Klaw.” The two-time Finals MVP dropped a smooth double-double, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 112-95 win over the Denver Nuggets and giving L.A. a 2-1 lead in the second-round playoff matchup.
With Crypto.com Arena buzzing and the energy palpable, Leonard delivered his most complete performance of the postseason so far, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 36 minutes of action. His signature calm, methodical approach once again proved to be a nightmare for Denver, as he picked apart the defense possession by possession.
Locked-In From the Jump
From the opening tip, it was clear Kawhi meant business. He scored 10 of the Clippers’ first 18 points, hitting tough mid-range shots, attacking the rim, and setting the tone defensively. Unlike Game 2, where L.A. looked a step slow, the Clippers came out with purpose and aggression — and Leonard was the engine.
“He’s our anchor,” said head coach Tyronn Lue postgame. “When Kawhi is locked in like that, it elevates everybody around him. His presence is huge on both ends of the floor.”
Leonard’s poise under pressure was especially evident in the third quarter, when the Nuggets trimmed a 15-point lead to just six. With Denver gaining momentum, Kawhi calmly responded with a step-back three, a contested pull-up from the elbow, and a driving and-one finish — effectively shutting down the comeback attempt before it could get dangerous.
Clippers Lock In as a Team
Though Leonard was the star of the night, the entire Clippers squad fed off his intensity. Paul George added 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Ivica Zubac held his ground in the paint with 14 points, 10 boards, and key stops on Nikola Jokić. Terance Mann chipped in with timely defense and hustle plays, and the bench gave consistent contributions, including a spark from Norman Powell who had 12 points in just 18 minutes.
On the defensive end, the Clippers were relentless. They rotated quickly, contested shots, and packed the paint — forcing Denver into a number of low-percentage looks. Jokić still managed 24 points and 8 assists, but he was clearly frustrated by the swarming coverage and physicality thrown his way.
“We just played Clippers basketball tonight,” said George. “It started with Kawhi setting the tone, and the rest of us followed.”
Making a Statement
This win wasn’t just important for the series — it was a statement. After a shaky Game 2 loss that raised questions about the Clippers’ consistency, they answered with their most dominant showing yet. The ball movement was crisp, the defense was tight, and the energy was there from start to finish.
Leonard’s leadership — often quiet, but deeply effective — was on full display. He may not talk much, but when he plays like this, his game speaks volumes.
“He’s just a machine out there,” said Mann. “You see the way he operates — calm, calculated, and always in control. That gives the rest of us confidence to do our jobs.”
Looking Ahead
With Game 4 approaching, the Clippers now have the opportunity to seize full control of the series. But they know the job isn’t done. The Nuggets are a resilient team led by one of the league’s best in Jokić, and they’ve come back from tough situations before.
Still, if Leonard continues to play at this level, and if the supporting cast maintains this kind of intensity, the Clippers may finally be putting it all together at the right time.
For now, one thing is clear: @kawhisklawset is locked in, and the Clippers are rolling.
