Kawhi Leonard Obliterates Shorthanded Jazz With Season High Performance – 3 Key Takeaways as Clippers Win 8 of Last 11

Utah Jazz had to face yet another loss at the hands of the Clippers. The Big 4 of LA seems to have rallied to produce at an elite level. The result was a 117-103 victory over the Jazz. Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers had an impressive night, gathering a season-high 41 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 38 minutes.

The Jazz now feature among the bottom five in the Western Conference with 7-14. Let’s dive straight into the key takeaways from tonight!

1. Kawhi Leonard doesn’t need to take a step back for Paul George and Harden. He should have these nights more often.

The “Klaw” was practically impossible to stop tonight. Landing shots one after another, Leonard brought back MVP memories to everyone present. Paul George was not too far, contributing 20 points, and Harden, 12 points and eight assists.

Their third game to win in a row, Kawhi’s impressive performance, put the Clippers over .500 for the first time since November. Compared to the scores he has put up this season, tonight was an exception. While Leonard always took a back seat, allowing George and Harden to take the lead, this time the 2x MVP decided to own the court.

And the outcome, for both himself and the team, was one of the best records this season. These kinds of nights are what make us realize why Kawhi Leonard is one of the most valued basketball players. He really should have more of this often.

2. The Clippers would be a championship threat with this form

With Harden’s arrival, the Clippers were in a sweet dilemma. On the surface, they became a dangerously lethal team with elite-level talent taking the floor. But dig a little deeper, and you end up with a confused team, not sure what to do with all the skills available for them to take advantage of.

Yet, tonight saw the Los Angeles Clippers in its finest form. Not giving Utah a chance to breathe, the first half saw them desperately trying to get hold of any available straw. The second half did not see much improvement in the Jazz’s situation. The Salt Lake City was still lollygagging with single digits moving into the second half as well.

But the early fourth quarter saw them try their hand at a last-ditch attempt, scoring on seven straight possessions. Unfortunately for them, Kawhi resurfaced to put an end with back-to-back baskets. This is the kind of team that Clippers fans and the NBA world would expect to face off.

The Big 4 playing off each other’s strengths, not being stingy with the ball, and always keeping an eye out for open looks. A championship threat!

3. James Harden has to be selfless in every game

James Harden has been a model NBA player since he arrived in LA. His behavior took a complete 360, so much so that LA fans have been clamoring for some “Beard” aggressiveness on the floor. Though the Clippers struggled to clinch victories in the first few games with Harden in tow, there were many sides to be considered.

Read More: James Harden Praises “True Professional” Russell Westbrook for Insane Energy Despite Losing Starting Spot

Here’s where the twist happens. Russell Westbrook voluntarily offered to come off the bench. This brought some semblance of discipline to an earlier haphazard way of playing. The team seemed to get an idea of the sacrifices needed. This could have been what prompted Harden to follow in Westbrook’s footsteps.

James Harden accepted the position of being the primary ball handler and playmaker, while PG13 and the “Klaw” remained the first two options of LA. If Harden can stay true to his responsibility, there is no doubt that the ‘City of Angels’ will be entering the gates of heaven.

This, in turn, means that the kind of stunt he pulled in the 76ers or even further back, the Nets, does not have any place with the Clippers. Hopefully, Harden can bring his MVP ways to get that ring.

Watch This Story: After Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard Is Ready for a Major Sacrifice for James Harden