Kawhi Leonard’s Late Three-Point Play Seals Clippers’ 105-102 Win in Houston, Earning Kevin Durant’s Accolade
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The Los Angeles Clippers leaned on Kawhi Leonard in the closing seconds Wednesday night, and the two-time Finals MVP delivered once again.
With the game tied and 2.0 seconds remaining at Toyota Center, Leonard spun through a double-team in the lane and sank a 13-foot turnaround while drawing contact. He converted the ensuing free throw, giving Los Angeles a 105-102 victory over the Houston Rockets.
“I tried to get something going left, saw the double-team, so I spun and got to a spot,” Leonard said afterward.
The forward finished with 27 points, 19 of them in the fourth quarter, marking his 33rd consecutive game with at least 20 points. Houston had limited him to eight points through three quarters before his late surge. “You’ve got to keep shooting,” Leonard told ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
Leonard opened the final period by making his first four attempts, including a finger roll that provided the Clippers’ first lead of the second half. From there, Los Angeles controlled the closing minutes and improved to 20-7 since Dec. 20. The club remains unbeaten in clutch situations during that span.
Kris Dunn summarized the approach: “Give him the ball and get out of the way.” Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant went further, calling Leonard “one of the greatest of all time.”
Source: Hoops Wire
