Leonard shares what has kept him going after the team's sixth straight win.
The Los Angeles Clippers were thought to be in big trouble earlier this season after stumbling out of the gate, but things have changed in a hurry.
Leonard and the Clippers are now playing some of the best basketball in the league, and they have the results to show for it.
Los Angeles picked up their sixth win in a row on New Year's Day, taking down the Utah Jazz 118-101 at the Intuit Dome.
Despite the Jazz making a big push after the Clippers blew a 21-point lead, Leonard made sure that comeback would not happen by taking over in the fourth quarter with 20 points and four made three-pointers to close things out.
Kawhi Explains What Sets Him Apart
After the game, Leonard spoke about what has allowed him to take over games and carry the Clippers during this winning streak.
When asked what sets him apart in big moments, his answer was simple and direct.
"It's just aggression. I've been like that since I came in... You didn't have to count on that from me. I was aggressive from day one," Leonard said.
Those comments lined up with what fans saw on the court Thursday night.
The Jazz adjusted their defense and sent extra help at Leonard throughout the game, but he kept attacking without any hesitation, and Los Angeles put the ball in his hands for most of the final stretch when it mattered the most.
Leonard finished the night with 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting from the field and also added seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks in 39 minutes of action.
He is now averaging 28.5 points per game on the season while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor, and during the six-game winning streak he has averaged 39.0 points on 53.2 percent shooting from the field and 44.1 percent from three.
Only Damian Lillard in 2023 has matched those kinds of numbers over a six-game stretch in NBA history.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Leonard has been the main story, he has not been alone. James Harden has been a perfect running mate and added 20 points along with seven assists and three rebounds in just 29 minutes against the Jazz.
Nicolas Batum chipped in 14 points and knocked down four of his six attempts from deep, while Kobe Sanders and Derrick Jones Jr. each added 10 points off the bench.
Kyle Anderson led the Jazz with 22 points, which was his first 20-point game in almost three years, and Cody Williams finished with a career-high 18 points off the bench.
What's Next for Los Angeles
The win moves Los Angeles to 12-21 on the season, which is still not where they want to be but a major improvement from where they were just a couple of weeks ago.
The Clippers are now riding the longest winning streak in the league and have a big test coming up on Saturday night when they host the Boston Celtics at the Intuit Dome.
If Leonard keeps playing like this, the Clippers might just force their way back into the playoff picture.