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With the new All-Star Game format creating a number of short mini-games, the competition was always likely to increase. The best players in the world having a 12-minutes-at-a-time showdown means things will remain close.
The basketball played in this one reminded a lot of folks why they found their way into All-Star Weekend. And of course, nobody looked better on the court than Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. Playing on his own home floor in the Intuit Dome, he went absolutely nuclear.
His Team Stripes squad needed to avoid losing by three or more points against Team World in order to advance to the final. What did Leonard do, but hit over 75% of his shots, including a game-winning triple to put a bow on his big night.
The Fun Guy was balling like The Terminator on the big stage.
Kawhi Leonard Lights Up Intuit Dome in All-Star Tournament
Spoiler alert, but Team Stripes did not win the All-Star Game tournament this year. Team Stars, filled with the game’s young talent were able to emerge on top. Kawhi Leonard even still, was the guy to watch today.
Scoring 31 points on 11-13 shooting just 12 minutes while also making the game-winning three is not normal behavior. Kawhi Leonard quite literally looked like The Terminator out on the floor, proving that he can handle anything thrown at home.
A big part in the success of the new All-Star format is the level of competition being at its highest. Kawhi showing up like he did is significant. He and Anthony Edwards both put in a show, making big shots and big plays all throughout the night.
Had Edwards not knocked in his own clutch three in the night’s first game, his team may not have found their way into the championship round. The tournament MVP award was well deserved for him.
These two guys, at different stages in their respective careers, seemed to take the leadership role on for their respective squads. The game is never as easy as these guys make it look, and Leonard is letting folks know what he can bring when he’s still healthy.
Averaging nearly 28 points per game this season while making over 50% of his shots, he has been out of this world. Leonard had missed the All-Star Game in two of the previous three campaigns, and his return will certainly now be met with some fanfare.
As he tries to lead the Clippers into the playoffs, he’ll be remembering what he did tonight, most certainly.
Kawhi Leonard Looks to Carry Momentum Into 2nd Half of Season
The Clippers have posted a 20-8 record since opening the year at 6-21. Of course, it has come with plenty of challenges, including trading two of their top five starters. James Harden was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland. Additionally, Ivica Zubac was traded to the Indiana Pacers.
Bennedict Mathurin has already logged some key minutes in LA, while Garland is still rehabbing from a toe injury. Kawhi Leonard dropped 41 points just a week ago, and seems to be relishing his time as the team’s top option.
A player that has already accomplished so much in the association, guiding his team into a guaranteed playoff spot following the abysmal start would be another one. There’s a long way to go, and the Clippers may well still find theit groove. Let’s see what Leonard can do.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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