Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers took their midseason turnaround to unprecedented heights with Wednesday’s 153-128 statement home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The seven-time All-Star’s efficient 45-point masterclass also left the NBA world singing his praises as they congratulated the Clippers on improbably getting over .500.
Kawhi Leonard’s 45-Point Outburst Sparks Major Praise
While LA had a nightmarish 6-21 start to the season, it has since been one of the hottest teams in the league, entering Wednesday with a respectable 32-32 record. Leonard and Co. left no doubt about whether they would finally get over the hump against Minnesota, leading nearly wire-to-wire, with their advantage ballooning as high as 31 points late.
After throwing down a couple of early fast-break slams, Leonard was firmly in the zone, dissecting the Timberwolves’ defense with his elite three-level scoring. The two-time NBA champion tallied 18 points in the first quarter and never let up after that.
Leonard ended the night with a game-high 45 points on scorching 15-for-20 shooting (75%), going 6-for-9 from 3-point range (66.7%) and 9-for-10 at the free-throw line (90%). He also recorded a ridiculous game-best plus-minus of plus-41, underscoring his immense impact.
Meanwhile, the Clippers, as a team, shot 19-for-37 from downtown (51.4%) en route to a season-high in scoring. The resounding win marked their third straight, including two consecutive over aspiring title contenders, and their sixth victory in seven outings.
Upon improving to 33-32, LA became the first team in NBA history to climb above .500 after falling at least 15 games below .500 in the same season, a feat that wasn’t taken lightly.
“The Clippers turnaround has been incredible & it’s all because of Kawhi. Should be a First Team All-NBA lock. He’s playing the best ball of his career,” NBA trainer Drew Hanlen gushed.
The Clippers turnaround has been incredible & it’s all because of Kawhi. Should be a First Team All-NBA lock. He’s playing the best ball of his career.
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) March 12, 2026
“For those keeping count, Clippers are now playing at a 58-win pace since starting the season 6-21. Historical run that they’re in the midst of,” Clippers writer Justin W raved.
For those keeping count, Clippers are now playing at a 58 win pace since starting the season 6-21.
Historical run that they’re in the midst of.
— Justin W (@LAClippersFilm) March 12, 2026
Others also chimed in on Leonard’s ranking in the NBA’s superstar hierarchy amid arguably his best season ever.
“I don’t think there’s four players in the league better than Kawhi Leonard,” Timberwolves analyst Wilder Adams contended.
I don’t think there’s four players in the league better than Kawhi Leonard
— Wilder Adams (@whatsontapnba) March 12, 2026
“Kawhi Leonard has been a Top 3 player in basketball this season,” analyst Drew Velez asserted.
Kawhi Leonard has been a Top 3 player in basketball this season.
It’s a tragedy we have to watch him be wasted on the Clippers.
— Drew Velez (@haaaaandrew) March 12, 2026
“[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] is amazing. [Nikola] Jokić, Luka [Dončić], [Anthony Edwards], and others are having phenomenal seasons. But is anyone playing better right now than Kawhi Leonard? Dude is a machine,” The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski pondered.
SGA is amazing. Jokic, Luka, Ant and others having phenomenal seasons. But is anyone playing better right now than Kawhi Leonard? Dude is a machine.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) March 12, 2026
Following his career-high fifth 40-point game in a single campaign, Leonard stressed that “the job ain’t done” as the new-look Clippers, thriving with newcomers Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, continue to fight for playoff positioning.
LA (33-32) sits eighth in the Western Conference, with a prime opportunity to move two games over .500 during Friday’s home clash against the rebuilding Chicago Bulls (27-38).
