Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has logged 20 or more points for 30 straight games
The Los Angeles Clippers were one of the worst teams in the NBA in the first 27 games of the season, going 6-21 and looking like they'd be handing the Oklahoma City Thunder a Top 5 pick in a loaded 2026 draft class. However, they turned it around, getting to as close as two games back of .500.
Even with all of that, the Clippers decided it was time to make some trades, and some drastic ones. Moving off James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers turned two of their three best players into younger players and future draft assets. But one player remained: Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard Continues Dominate Scoring Streak
On Friday night, in the aftermath of a wild trade deadline period, the Clippers headed to Sacramento to kick off their four-game road trip against the Kings. An inferior opponent, it came down to the wire, with the Clippers pulling through for the 114-111 victory.
Leading the way was Kawhi Leonard, scoring 31 points to go with nine rebounds and seven assists. With his 31 points, Leonard extended his 20-point streak to 30 straight games, expanding what has been a career-best streak for him. After the game, he was asked how he's been able to remain consistent amid all the changes happening.
"Just staying aggressive. Trying to get wins, that's it. I'd trade it all for more wins," Leonard said.
Leonard got some help on Friday night, though, with John Collins adding an efficient 22 points while Brook Lopez and Kris Dunn had 15 points each.
Luckily for the Clippers, the situation should only be improving once their new acquisitions get on the court. While they won't debut on Sunday, both Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson could debut before the All-Star break when they head to Houston.
As for Darius Garland, the best player they acquired, he'll likely return to action after the All-Star break, as he's been dealing with an injury before he was traded. Once all three players are out on the court for LA, they could very well have a chance at pushing for a Top 6 seed if they can continue this momentum.
However, they have to focus on what's in front of them, and that's a matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. With Minnesota coming off a loss against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, they should be extra motivated to come out aggressively and try to stop Leonard from extending his streak.