Kawhi Leonard Resurges: Clippers, the Hottest Team in the NBA

Kawhi Leonard: The Spark That Ignites the Clippers

The LA Clippers assistant coach, Brian Shaw, is reluctant to compare any player to Kobe Bryant. However, his experience, having shared the court and bench with both, makes him an authority on the matter. Shaw observes similarities between Kawhi Leonard’s current game and Bryant’s work ethic. Shaw highlights the relentless work ethic that both players share once they focus on a goal. To illustrate this point, Shaw recalls an anecdote from Bryant’s early days when he was a rookie for the Lakers. During a training session, a journalist questioned Bryant’s lack of three-point shooting. Bryant’s response was forceful: that night, in the game, he would prove otherwise. Bryant set a record of twelve three-pointers, driven by the desire to exceed expectations. This mindset, according to Shaw, is similar to the one Leonard is now demonstrating. After a complicated start to the season, the Clippers have resurfaced, and Leonard is the main architect of this transformation. The player has significantly increased his three-point shooting percentage, which has revitalized the team’s offense.

For almost two years, the Clippers’ coaching staff urged Leonard to expand his shooting range. Finally, in December, Leonard accepted the challenge. “I told TLue I was going to shoot 12 three-pointers and he said, ‘How?’ and I replied, ‘You’ll see’,” Leonard recounts. Since then, Leonard has averaged nearly nine three-point attempts per game, with a success rate exceeding 43%. This strategy has forced defenders to leave the zone, opening up spaces for him and his teammates to penetrate or cut towards the basket. As a result, the Clippers have improved their offensive performance, climbing positions in the standings and achieving important victories. The incorporation of this new element in Leonard’s game has had a positive impact on his physique, reducing the wear and tear and constant contact he suffered in the paint. The combination of his work ethic, his focus on continuous improvement, and his ability to adapt have been key in the evolution of his game. The partnership between Leonard and Harden has proven to be effective, ranking among the best in the league in terms of offensive efficiency. Harden, who shares a locker room with Leonard, highlights his dedication to basketball and his constant pursuit of optimization. Leonard, known for his focus on well-being, has implemented practices such as meditation and yoga to stay in optimal physical and mental condition. Leonard’s attention to detail extends to his diet and hydration. He is known for his preference for high-quality alkaline water, a habit he has maintained since his days in San Antonio. Leonard’s dedication translates into high-level performance on the court. Since the game on December 20th, he leads the league in net efficiency among players with more than 500 minutes played. The question, as always with Leonard and the Clippers, is whether this dynamic will be maintained. Despite the challenges and injuries, his impact on the game is undeniable. The key for the Clippers lies in keeping Leonard healthy and in top form, to aim for great achievements.