After a while, the league finally witnessed a 50-point game from Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 55 points against the Detroit Pistons, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-99 victory against the leaders in the East. Leonard seemed unstoppable, scoring 25 points in the first half and reaching a career-high by the third quarter of the game.
Leonard was on an absolute heater, shooting 17 of 26 from the field and 5 of 10 from the deep. He also added 11 rebounds and five steals to his tally. In the third quarter of the game, the Klaw added 26 points, setting a career-high for any period of 900 combined NBA games, both regular season and playoffs. Leonard drained eight jumpers, including three 3s in the third quarter alone.
Kawhi Leonard’s teammate, James Harden, also celebrated this feat. However, he could not let it slide without a moment to troll the two-time NBA champion. Speaking to the press on Leonard’s 50-point game, Harden said:
“Took him long enough.”
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James Harden has 25 50-point games to his name, standing equal to late Kobe Bryant and close to Michael Jordan’s record of 31. In 2025 alone, Harden had two games where he scored 50 points. Seems like the slight jab was nothing more than a light-hearted form of banter for his teammate with whom Harden is looking to add a ring.
James Harden Gives Credit to Brook Lopez For The Clippers’ Winning Streak
The LA Clippers are on a four-game winning streak after their win against the Pistons at home on Sunday. Though the Clippers stand 13th in the Western Conference, they are actively looking to climb back up the ladder to contend for the playoffs.
James Harden credits this comeback of the Clippers to Brook Lopez, who has been an essential piece for the team’s winning streak off the bench.
“Honestly, credit to Brook. What he brings to the table defensively,” said Harden. “His communication, him contesting shots at the rim, shot-making ability, spacing. A combination of those things has helped us overall as a team offensively.”
Continuing his praise for the veteran big man, Harden added:
“To be able to be an NBA champ and a starter, to come here and have the expectation to play big minutes — not play big minutes, not play, now you’re starting. He prepares himself. Comes in every day and works hard. He’s a starting big on this team. As a result of that, it’s showing.”
Lopez was left out of the Clippers’ rotation until he was called upon as a starter following Ivica Zubac’s injury. Now, with him as a starter, Lopez is helping the Clippers with offensive spacing and blocking shots, even though he seems a bit slower than he used to be.
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