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Kawhi Leonard Scores Career-High 55 as Clippers Upset East-Leading Pistons, 112-99

Leonard’s ultra-efficient eruption propelled a veteran Clippers lineup missing Ivica Zubac to a season-best fourth straight win.

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 finished 17-of-26 from the field, 5-of-10 from three and 16-of-17 at the line, adding 11 rebounds and five steals with 26 points in the third quarter.
  • He tied the Clippers’ single-game scoring record set by James Harden last month, electing to sit late rather than chase the mark outright.
  • A third-quarter miss ended Leonard’s lengthy free-throw streak, which had stood as a franchise record heading into the game.
  • James Harden added 28 points and Nicolas Batum 12 as Los Angeles started five players in their 30s, including three age 36 or older, with Zubac sidelined for a third straight game.
  • Detroit fell behind after a cold first half (0-for-12 from deep before the break); Cade Cunningham was scoreless until halftime and finished with 27, while Jalen Duren posted 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Pistons dropped to 24-8 and the Clippers improved to 10-21.