Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard's career-best performance extends Clippers' win streak

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 4:32 PM ET

Every now and then, Kawhi Leonard shows the world exactly why he's an NBA legend. He did just that on Sunday night, making history while helping the Los Angeles Clippers win for the fourth game in a row.

Leonard scored a new career-high as the Clippers beat the best the Eastern Conference has to offer, the Detroit Pistons, 112-99. His 55 points against the Pistons marked his first ever 50-point game and also matched a franchise record.

Leonard connected on 17-of-26 shots for an efficient 65.4% from the field en route to the most productive offensive game of his career.

Matching what his teammate, James Harden, put up last month, Leonard now owns a share of the Clippers' record for most points in a single game. But he did far more than just score.

A MASTERPIECE FROM KAWHI LEONARD!

️ 55 PTS (career-high)
️ 11 REB
️ 5 STL
️ 3 BLK
️ 5 3PM

That ties the Clippers franchise record for PTS in a game pic.twitter.com/PMacnRiUxW
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025

Clippers' Kawhi Leonard did far more than just score against Pistons

In addition to his scoring prowess on Sunday, Leonard made his night a double-double with 11 rebounds and then added five steals, three blocks and a pair of assists.

Again joining Harden, Leonard became only the second player in the last 50 years to register at least 55 points, at least 10 boards and at least five steals in a single game.

The ONLY players in the last 50 years to total 55+ PTS, 10+ REB, and 5+ STL in a game:

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden

Leonard: 12/28/2025
Harden: 01/23/2019 pic.twitter.com/WyMZ1OeM6O
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025

Kawhi Leonard has been on fire lately as he tries to help Clippers climb standings

While the Clippers are still only 10-21 and in 13th place in the Western Conference standings, the six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP is giving it his best effort to get his team back in the hunt.

"We need it ... He willed this win for us," Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue explained to reporters about Leonard's performance after the game.

Leonard scored 41 against the Houston Rockets just a few days before Sunday's masterpiece. Experiencing one of his healthier seasons in recent memory, Leonard is now averaging 27.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists with a 49.5% clip from the field in 21 games.

But of course, when it comes to Leonard, the "if he can stay healthy" caveat is always necessary when it comes to what he can offer his team for the rest of the season.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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