Getty
Kawhi Leonard delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the season on Friday night, lifting the Los Angeles Clippers to a 114-113 win over the Indiana Pacers with a go-ahead jumper that dropped with just 0.4 seconds left, Field Level Media reports. The shot capped a furious comeback after Los Angeles trailed by as many as 24 points in Indianapolis.
After the game, Leonard pulled back the curtain on what went through his mind in the final seconds, offering a rare look into his decision-making process.
“We might have to give DG the ball…then I was like nah I got it I got it. I’m trying to be a good teammate… but I told him Ima just shoot that sh-t as high as I can… ended up shooting it and it went in.”
That moment sealed the Clippers’ fourth straight win and added another clutch entry to Leonard’s growing resume.
Kawhi Leonard Delivers in Chaos-Filled Finish
The ending itself matched the intensity of Leonard’s shot. Indiana had multiple chances to secure the game but failed to close it out. After Leonard’s jumper, Andrew Nembhard threw the inbounds pass away, opening the door for more late-game chaos.
Bennedict Mathurin missed two free throws after being fouled, and Indiana still had one final opportunity with 0.1 seconds left. Jay Huff stepped to the line but also missed both attempts, allowing Los Angeles to escape with the win.
Leonard finished with 28 points, while Darius Garland led the Clippers with 30. Mathurin added 17 points off the bench, and Brook Lopez contributed 16 in the comeback effort.
Indiana saw strong performances as well, with Aaron Nesmith scoring 26 and Obi Toppin adding 20. Nembhard chipped in 13 points and 10 assists, but late-game execution ultimately slipped away.
Teammates React to Leonard’s Unique Presence
For teammates like Bennedict Mathurin, moments like this continue to define Leonard’s reputation across the league. His ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations stands out, even among elite players.
“I’m trying not to cuss. Because it’s hard to describe who he is. But he’s different, man. It’s hard to be his teammate and not being a fan at the same time. He’s just amazing. You want to live and learn and follow his footsteps.”
Mathurin also admitted that Leonard’s mindset remains difficult to fully grasp.
“I haven’t figured that out yet. I’m still trying.”
Leonard’s latest game-winner also placed him in rare territory. With this shot, he now owns 12 game-winning baskets in the final 10 seconds since entering the NBA, the most in that span. Technically, that makes him the most clutch player in the league if we’re going by this stat alone. That’s very impressive.
The performance reflected more than just one shot. It showed resilience after a slow start, composure under pressure, and trust in the moment. Leonard weighed the option to defer, then took control when it mattered most.
In a game filled with missed opportunities, wild momentum swings, and a frantic finish, Leonard’s calm approach stood out. When everything sped up, he slowed it down, trusted his instincts, and delivered once again.
Burtland Dixon Burtland Dixon is a sports journalist covering the NBA and athlete culture for Heavy.com. A former Division II athlete turned journalist, he offers a unique blend of locker room perspective and storytelling expertise. He has more than eight years of experience in digital media and previously served as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with additional bylines at Idolator, Trend Chaser, and Buzznet. Burtland is based between California and New York. Instagram: @showmi_more More about Burtland Dixon
More Heavy on Clippers
Loading more stories