On January 5th, Beijing time, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks to end their two-game losing streak. This game marked the season debut of Kawhi Leonard, with the Clippers seeing a significant improvement on both offense and defense. Mann also returned, making the Clippers' frontcourt extremely strong as they dominated the Hawks throughout the game, with Leonard scoring 12 points in just 19 minutes.
Kawhi Leonard has been nursing his knee since being injured in the 2023-2024 season playoffs. From April 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, a total of 253 days have passed. Clippers fans had high expectations for this game, especially since the team is now at full strength with Harden and Leonard forming a formidable two-core lineup that is both offensive and defensive.
In the opening quarter, Harden connected with Leonard for a three-pointer. Leonard played 7 minutes in the first quarter, shooting 1 for 3 and 1 for 1 from beyond the arc, scoring 3 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and dishing out 1 assist. Leonard's defensive presence was also felt strongly, as the Hawks made many forced turnovers.
In the second quarter, Leonard hit a three-pointer from the weak side and then another from the strong side. He also forced Trae Young into a turnover. Leonard played 7 minutes in the second quarter before being rested, with the Clippers leading the Hawks 72-47 at halftime. In the first half, Leonard played 16 minutes, shooting 3 for 8 and 3 for 3 from three-point range, scoring 9 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and adding 1 assist and 1 steal. However, he still seemed somewhat afraid to attack the basket at full speed.
In the third quarter, Leonard drew a three-point foul and made one of three free throws, and also made a mid-range shot, scoring 3 points in the quarter. After three quarters, Leonard had played 19 minutes, shooting 4 for 11, 3 for 5 from three-point range, and 1 for 3 from the free-throw line, scoring 12 points, grabbing 3 rebounds, and adding 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 foul, and 2 turnovers, with a field goal percentage of 36.4% and a three-point percentage of 60%.
In the fourth quarter, with the lead consistently above 20 points, Leonard was able to rest for the remainder of the game. In his debut, he only played 19 minutes and 25 seconds. Although his efficiency wasn't great, his outside shooting touch remained. What he needs to overcome is the psychological issue of fearing injury when attacking the basket.
Written by Yan Xiaobai: Clippers Watch