Kawhi Leonard hits the game-winner to lift the Clippers over the Hornets.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup Monday night, making big-time plays down the stretch to secure the 119-117 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
In his first game since Nov. 21, Leonard racked up 16 points, six rebounds and two assists for the Clippers in Charlotte. The five-time All-Star came up clutch in the final minute, tying the game with 39.7 seconds left before hitting the game-winning jumper with 1.4 seconds to go.
“I don’t think anybody loves playing this game more than me,” Leonard said. “It gives me joy when I’m able to play. And it was great that I was able to make that shot.”
Kawhi coming up big in CrunchTime!
The bucket to tie it up before his game-winner 👀 pic.twitter.com/tbjSoHco1A
— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2022
The Clippers also got back their other star forward Paul George and guard Luke Kennard. George played in his first game since Nov. 19 and finished with a team-high 19 points, three rebounds and seven assists in the victory.
Kennard added nine points off the bench in his first game back from an injury as well.
Getting Leonard, George and Kennard back should provide a huge boost for the Clippers (14-11). Leonard has been out since Nov. 21, George since Nov. 19 and Kennard since Nov. 15 with a calf strain.
The Clippers tied it up when George saved an offensive rebound from going out of bounds by flicking the ball to Leonard under the basket for an easy basket.
After Jalen McDaniels missed a 3 at the other end, the Clippers found Leonard for an isolation play on the right side of the court.
🖐 Kawhi in the Clutch
After tonight's game-winner, check out some of the best clutch plays from Kawhi Leonard's career! pic.twitter.com/VzMz3H2AqW
— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2022
He made a ball fake to freeze McDaniels, then dribbled once and stepped back to his left to drain the shot before exchanging a high-five with George and a flying chest bump with Marcus Morris Sr..
“My teammates trusted me,” Leonard said. “I was able to get in my spot and my team gave me space. I was able to knock down a shot.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
