The Los Angeles Clippers proved to be supreme at the Intuit Dome against the Denver Nuggets. The bulldozed one of the best offenses in the league, restricting the Nikola Jokic-led side to just 83 points, only to extend the lead by 2-1. While their entire scoring core contributed, this series has changed due to Kawhi Leonard’s availability. Now comfortably playing large minutes, the Klaw feels rejuvenated after spending the past years with ailments. The journey was far from easy. Forgetting his contributions, Leonard was battered by his inability to stay healthy. It was either his knee that also caused him to miss the Paris Olympics, or it was some other major injury. But after taking his time to build confidence in his movement, the 2019 Finals MVP is playing with the most freedom. It also came with a careful focus on his health.

Yes, workouts were a part of it, but Leonard’s diet played a huge role. And he wants to spread that message to his youth, even if it means disrespecting a giant. After the game, the Clippers forward asked for PepsiCo’s Gatorade to be taken off his desk. “Take those Gatorades down… kids don’t need to be drinking that,” he told the press. A stunt he has pulled out in the past, too.

When asked about other alternatives to the drink, Leonard didn’t want to overstep. He kindly told the reporter, “I’m not mentioning that right now. You can talk to me after,”. But it took more than just a clean diet to get himself in the right conditioning. Kawhi Leonard spent hours in the gym regaining his explosiveness and power.

“Just focusing on my body. Been able to get my minutes up late in that last month, get in shape, basketball shape. You know, as well as just, able to stay strong with the lifts and all. Just combining all that together and just having a focused mindset,” The Klaw said about his building confidence post his battle with knee inflammation. The Clippers’ number 2 has a bigger ambition and is finally happy to be back on the side.

“Still wanting to be good and contribute to the team and like I said before just happy to be front line with my teammates and able to suit up um good or bad and that’s what I’m taking pride in and feeling great after the game and I feel good and happy that I was [able to play]”

He led the Clippers in scoring with 21 points after dropping 39 in a vital win on the road. His resurgence has catapulted the Clippers into looking like a formidable army that feeds off his explosiveness and tenacity. However, the Clippers have been coordinated even before Kawhi Leonard returned, which is why he thinks the credit for their excellence belongs to the Clippers’ coaching staff.

Coaches inspire Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers

In the offseason, the Clippers saw Paul George leave or nothing. Moreover, they knew they would be without Leonard for a major chunk of the season due to his injury. Many experts expected them to drown under such adversity. However, Ty Lue found some new gems and restored a few players to prime condition.

Norman Powell found himself being the primary scoring option and averaged a career-high in points. Moreover, James Harden rediscovered his rhythm, forming a prolific tandem with Ivica Zubac. Even without Leonard, they managed to remain competitive. Hence, the anticipation grew. How would this team look with a healthy roster?

In the 37 games Leonard did play, the Clippers posted a 26-11 record. And with the chains finally off his back, Kawhi Leonard is back to his best. But he couldn’t just take the credit alone.

The luxury Leonard had upon returning was the flourishing development Ty Lue and his coaching staff had managed to bring to the team, in particular Jeff Van Gundy. Likewise, when answering questions about this being the most balanced Clippers team in recent history, he gave them their flowers.

“I have to give credit to my coaching staff, starting with JBG. Just being focused on that end and coming in with, a passion and aggressive mindset for us all. And, it kind of triggers down to us,” he said about their coaching unit. However, coaches can merely provide directions. Applying them comes down to the players. And Kawhi Leonard mentioned a few players who have contributed to the improving Clippers team.

“There’s guys on the floor that want to guard. They’re not, just pointing at me and telling me to take them. These guys are looking the opponent in the eye and say I want him and they motivate me defensively. Especially Kris D seeing how he plays every game, and you know, with uh Derek Jones coming in and Zu being that back line and how they just want to play. They motivate me to play,” he said about their impact.

With health and motivation, Kawhi Leonard has found his joy in competing again. The Clippers look to be a serious threat to the title because of their complete roster. That is a result of their strong bond and trust in one another. Now, they have their eyes on the next game with a chance to go up 3-1 and be on the cusp of the second round.

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