Kawhi Leonard continues to prove why he’s one of the most formidable forces in playoff basketball. Through the first six games of the 2025 postseason, Leonard is averaging an impressive 25.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Whether it’s getting buckets in isolation, making the right reads out of double teams, or locking down the opposing team’s best scorer, Kawhi has been the anchor for the Los Angeles Clippers during their gritty first-round battle against the Denver Nuggets.
Despite battling through occasional soreness and having to adjust to different coverages thrown his way, Leonard has maintained his trademark poise. His scoring has come efficiently and with precision—rising up in the midrange, bullying smaller defenders in the post, and spacing the floor when necessary. When Denver has overcommitted, Kawhi has punished them by facilitating for teammates, leading to that healthy 5.2 assists per game mark—his highest in any playoff series since 2020.
Leonard’s rebounding numbers have also been crucial, especially in a series where second-chance points can swing momentum. His 8.0 boards per game show that he’s willing to do the dirty work in the paint, boxing out bigger bodies and diving in for key rebounds when it matters most. His versatility as a wing who can guard multiple positions and still impact the game on the glass is a major reason why the Clippers have forced a Game 7.
Defensively, he’s still one of the best in the business. While Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokić have gotten their numbers at times, Leonard’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and apply on-ball pressure has been a stabilizing force for L.A.’s defense. His active hands and defensive IQ have helped force critical turnovers and swung momentum in multiple games of the series.
Now, with Game 7 tipping off tonight at 7:30pm ET on TNT, all eyes will be on Kawhi. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. He’s been the best player on the court in countless elimination games, and he has two Finals MVPs to back it up. His playoff résumé speaks volumes, and his calm, collected demeanor is exactly what the Clippers need heading into this do-or-die matchup.
Against a battle-tested Nuggets team led by the reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, Kawhi’s leadership and two-way dominance will be the x-factor. The Clippers have never made the NBA Finals, but with Leonard healthy, focused, and producing across the board, that goal is still alive. The stakes are massive, the moment is huge, and the spotlight is once again on No. 2.
Whether you’re a Clippers fan, a Nuggets supporter, or just an NBA junkie, this Game 7 is must-watch television. Kawhi Leonard has delivered elite postseason performances before—and tonight, he gets another shot to add to his legacy. Don’t miss it.
LAC/DEN Game 7 — 7:30pm ET on TNT.
Do you want a graphic or stat chart to go along with this piece?
