The Los Angeles Clippers had high expectations entering the 2025-26 season, especially after winning 50 games the season prior and improving the roster in the offseason. While they did part ways with Norman Powell, they brought in Brook Lopez, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul to improve their overall depth.

However, Beal is now out for the season, and Paul is no longer with the team. The Clippers entered December with a 5-15 record, and have managed to turn things around as of late with five-straight wins to improve to 11-21. They are far from back in playoff contention, but it's a step in the right direction for LA.

On Tuesday, the Clippers secured their fifth-straight win in a victory over the Sacramento Kings, a 41-point blowout where Kawhi Leonard continued his strong play with 33 points. After the game, head coach Ty Lue addressed the team's recent success.

"We're growing as a team and understanding what we need to do. Our backs were against the wall, and our guys are responding. I give a lot of credit to Kawhi and James, just how they've been able to play, getting guys open shots, but scoring the ball as well," Lue said.

He also went on to credit the defense, specifically Kris Dunn, who is one of the top perimeter defenders in the league and a leader for the Clippers on that end of the floor. Dunn finished with two steals against Sacramento, adding 10 points and six rebounds as well.

"Yeah, very proud. Like I said, Kawhi and James, our two best players, the way they responded could have easily packed it in. We wasn't going to let that happen, but I give a lot of credit to my coaching staff. They did a great job just being positive, working with the guys, staying positive, and positivity is what got us through this," Lue added.

As for James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, they've been stellar over this winning streak. For Harden, he's averaged 26.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over the last five games. And for Leonard, he's averaged 37.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting over the same stretch.

The Clippers are also continuing to do this without Ivica Zubac, who has been sidelined due to injury. When he comes back, this Clippers team could make a serious push for playoff contention, and turn a season that looked dead in the water into a success.