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James Harden Gets Honest About the Disrespect Kawhi Leonard Faces

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 12:22 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Denver Nuggets on Monday to even up the first-round series at 1-1. Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard went off for 39 points in 39 minutes while shooting 15-of-19 from the field, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line.

After the game, Clippers guard James Harden was asked by reporters if Leonard is appreciated enough by fans and pundits. Harden, the 2018 MVP with the Houston Rockets, strongly said no.

“Not even a little bit," Harden said. "It’s always negative. It’s always what he’s been through and what he’s not able to do. Just because of something he can’t control. But we don’t appreciate how great he is when he’s actually out there and putting up performances like this tonight.

"It’s always the negative. It’s always the hate. It’s something we gotta live with I guess in this world. For me being closer to him, and every single day seeing the work he puts in, you appreciate him.”

Leonard's Clippers run, which began in 2019, has been plagued by injuries. He tore his right ACL in the 2021 playoffs and his right meniscus in the 2023 playoffs.

A two-time Finals MVP, Leonard looks like himself again, which is scary news for the Nuggets. Leonard finished the regular season strong, averaging 27.7 points over the final three games against the Rockets, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.

If Leonard can stay healthy for the entire 2025 playoffs, the Clippers have a chance to make some serious noise. Leonard currently leads the 2025 postseason in field goal percentage. He's shooting an incredible 70.6% from the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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