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Kawhi Leonard Drops Career-High 55 as Clippers Topple East-Leading Pistons 112-99

The outburst capped a season-best fourth straight win for a veteran Clippers lineup missing starting center Ivica Zubac.

Dec 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) battles for the ball with Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) goes up for a shot under pressure from Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) advances the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Leonard shot 17-for-26 with 5-of-10 from deep and 16-of-17 at the line, added 11 rebounds and five steals, and tied the franchise single-game scoring record set by James Harden in November.
  • He poured in 26 points in the third quarter to restore a comfortable margin after Detroit twice cut the deficit to single digits.
  • James Harden scored 28 points and Nicolas Batum added 12 as the Clippers started an all-30s lineup that included three players age 36 or older.
  • Los Angeles was without Ivica Zubac for a third straight game; pregame reports described a Grade 2 left ankle sprain expected to sideline the center for multiple weeks.
  • Cade Cunningham finished with 27 points after a scoreless, foul-plagued first half and Jalen Duren had 18 points and 14 rebounds as Detroit dropped a second straight game and now visits the Lakers on Tuesday.