The 75th NBA All-Star Game came to a close on Sunday with the USA Stars winning the mini-tournament and Anthony Edwards earning All-Star MVP honors. However, some believe Kawhi Leonard was equally deserving despite coming up short.
In one of the games on Sunday, Leonard put up a scorching hot performance to defeat Team World in Game 3, outperforming his teammates, Kevin Durant and LeBron James. With that said, reporters were curious to know if Leonard thinks that he is the best player in the NBA today after outshining his legendary teammates.
Kawhi Leonard Responds to Best Player Debate After All-Star Performance
During the 75th NBA All-Star Game, the Los Angeles Clippers star took the game seriously and turned the heat up when his team, the USA Stripes, took on Team World in Game 3.
Throughout the 12-minute game, Leonard easily dropped 31 points and led the USA Stripes to a 48-45 victory.
KAWHI TOOK OVER IN HIS OWN BUILDING 🚨
31 POINTS IN 12 MINUTES… and the winner to send USA Stripes to the championship! pic.twitter.com/uPf5ezyfdP
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026
What’s impressive about this performance is that he was playing alongside legends like Durant and James. While none of his USA Stripes teammates were selfish players, no one saw Leonard explode the way he did on Sunday.
Given his remarkable performance, many are now debating whether Leonard still belongs in the conversation of being the best NBA player today. During a recent interview with Leonard, the Clippers forward shared his thoughts.
“That’s for you guys. For me, I think it’s a rotation every day, every week,” Leonard said. “But yeah. I feel like I’m one of the best when I am playing basketball.”
Kawhi Leonard was asked if he’s the best player in the NBA:
“That’s for you guys. For me, I think it’s a rotation every day, every week… But yeah. I feel like I’m one of the best when I am playing basketball.” pic.twitter.com/FyGirBLR88
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 16, 2026
Heading into the second half of the season, Leonard will prepare to share the court with his new tandem, Darius Garland. The Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Garland on the day of the deadline.
However, we’re not entirely sure when Garland would become available to help his All-Star teammate. According to sources, Garland is out indefinitely, and the Clippers don’t intend to rush his recovery.
Nevertheless, LA should be fine for as long as Leonard remains on the court. Looking at his numbers this season, he is still among the top players in the league today. Leonard is averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals.
While the Clippers are still fighting for a spot in the postseason, they’re in good hands for as long as Kawhi can consistently play the way he did on Sunday.
