Kawhi Leonard has been having a great game against the Lakers. He almost led a single-handed second-quarter charge to overcome a 13 point deficit and bring the game within two points.
His continued performance in the third quarter led the Clippers to take a lead and enter the fourth and final quarter.
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Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James have had some battles today. LeBron won a key battle for the last possession of the second quarter, forcing Kawhi to miss during his hot streak.
However, LeBron has been held to rather low percentages all day, and Kawhi has played a huge role in keeping James at bay. This game includes this clip from Kawhi earlier in the game.
‘Bron was visibly hunting for buckets and forcing drives even when he was getting doubled. Mid-drive, LeBron is being covered by Kawhi and sees Zubac close in. He put up a hasty shot which Kawhi completely blocked.
LeBron would appeal to the referees for a shooting foul by saying that Kawhi held his arm. Kawhi, in his classic stupor and monotone, just told the referee that it was all ball.
LeBron: “HE’S HOLDING MY ARM!”
Kawhi: “all ball.”
LeBron: “…HOLDING MY WHOLE HAND!”
Kawhi: “all ball.” pic.twitter.com/0YXQ9szwMg
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 31, 2020
Kawhi Leonard vs LeBron James living up to the hype?
The Lakers-Clippers game has been quite odd. This game is sloppy, yet quite technical. Both teams are exchanging big leads in a game marred by poor shooting. Both teams have barely scraped 40% shooting, with Kawhi’s Clippers shooting better.
However, both teams have also been active in fouling. There have been 60+ free-throws between the two teams, with the Lakers having gotten a larger chunk.
Both teams have also struggled in holding on to the ball. The teams have shared over 30 turnovers in the game, with the Clippers being especially leaky with over 20 turnovers. Despite this, the game has been relatively close throughout.
Lakers are riding a strong wave on the back of Davis’ 32 points in the first three quarters. LeBron James is nearing a triple-double despite his struggles.
Kawhi Leonard has struggled with his accuracy as well, but he still has had a major impact on the game. He has two steals, living up to his reputation as a strong defender. Paul George has had a strong 22 point contribution as well.
SOURCE- Rob Perez- Twitter, NBA.com- Stats
