Kawhi Leonard stats tonight: 'Terminator' rolls back clock, outplays Nikola Jokic and Nuggets in Game 2 with jaw-dropping display (Apr. 21)
Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers squared off against the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Ball Arena on Monday. As expected, Leonard started alongside James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac and Kris Dunn.
Leonard turned back the clock, delivering what was arguably the standout performance of the postseason so far. He put on a shooting clinic, effortlessly knocking down perimeter shots and mid-range jumpers, leading the Clippers to a hard-fought 105-102 road victory.
In the end, the Clippers superstar finished with 39 points on 15 of 19 shooting from the floor, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. He recorded three rebounds, five assists, two assists and one steal in 39 minutes.
Kawhi Leonard through 4 quarters
Leonard came out firing, delivering a red-hot start in the first quarter with his offensive game in full flow. While Harden and Powell struggled to find their rhythm early, it was the veteran forward who carried the scoring load for the Clippers. The two-time NBA champion put on a clinic, particularly with his mid-range shooting and set the tone for LA’s offense.
Kawhi Leonard finished the quarter with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. He shot 5 of 5 from the floor, including 1 of 1 from beyond the arc in 8:29 minutes.
The Nuggets had no answer for Kawhi Leonard’s offensive onslaught as the Clippers superstar continued to score effortlessly. He opened the second quarter by sinking his first shot, extending his hot streak to six straight makes before finally missing his first attempt of the night.
Leonard stayed locked in, hitting three more shots in the period and fueling a Clippers rally that erased an eight-point deficit and propelled them to a three-point lead at halftime. At half time, Leonard had scored 21 points on 9 of 10 shooting from the floor, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.
The veteran forward maintained his hot streak in the third quarter, converting both of his shot attempts and sinking two free throws. He totaled six points in the penultimate period, helping to keep the Clippers in a strong position to secure a win and even the series.
Kawhi Leonard missed three shots in the final quarter but he came up clutch and knocked down 12 points in the period to help the Clippers level the series.