Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Hyped as Title Contenders by NBA Fans After Win vs. Suns
The Los Angeles Clippers had the basketball world buzzing Wednesday night with a 131-122 road win over the Phoenix Suns to continue their recent hot streak.
L.A.'s "big three" of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden played at an elite level in the victory, as Leonard went for 33 points and seven rebounds, George racked up 30 points and eight rebounds and Harden finished with 22 points and 11 assists:
By virtue of Wednesday's win, the Clippers are now 21-12 on the season, and they have won four games in a row and 13 of their past 15. They are also on an 11-game winning streak when Leonard is in the lineup:
When the Clippers put Leonard and George together in 2019, they did so with championship expectations, but injuries have prevented them from reaching their potential.
Leonard has never played more than 57 games in a single season for the Clips, and he missed the entire 2021-22 campaign with a torn ACL, while George has never played more than 56 games in a single campaign since coming to Los Angeles.
However, given how the Clippers have been playing lately while fully healthy, fans hyped them up as championship contenders Wednesday night on X, formerly known as Twitter:
In four full seasons since the arrival of Leonard and George, the Clippers have posted a winning record four times and reached the playoffs on three occasions, but they have been unable to get over the hump.
Leonard's lack of availability come playoff time has been a clear issue, as he appeared in only two playoff games last season and missed the entire Western Conference Finals when they made it in 2021.
When on the court, Leonard has been a difference-maker for the Clippers in postseason action, averaging 29.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
The Clippers played a Suns team that wasn't at full strength Wednesday, as Kevin Durant missed the game, but the Clips showed what they are capable of when they have all their big guns in the lineup.
If Leonard can remain healthy and continue to get the type of support George, Harden and Co. provided Wednesday night, there is reason to believe that the Clippers are legitimate threats to go the distance in the Western Conference.
