The LA Clippers have developed an interesting partnership over the last month of the season. Kawhi Leonard, currently the longest-tenured Clipper, joined forces with Darius Garland when the franchise traded for the two-time NBA All-Star.
Now, the pair are learning how to play with others as they fast forward to a do-or-die play-in tournament and potentially a postseason.
In just eight games played together so far, the Clippers are 6-2 – including a loss against the Sacramento Kings, where Leonard left the game early due to an ankle sprain. In the frankly incredibly small sample size of 120 minutes so far, the Clippers are outscoring opponents by 18.75 points per 100 possessions.
"It's always good to have help," Leonard said. "Darius is getting back in the lineup and being the star he has been in years past and coming in and still great for us, with 40 the other night, he's getting the crowd going with his threes and passing and just his overall energy and, yes, looking forward to Ben coming back. But I think it's a new challenge for everybody. Every year is different. And, yes, just try to come in and be competitive and just positive energy for everybody. Release."
Kawhi Leonard hasn't played before with a fast, agile guard like Darius Garland who can also shoot the three-ball at an elite level, so while the Clippers have been winning games with those two, it's also been a learning experience for everyone involved.
"It's amazing," Leonard said of his experience with Garland so far. "He got going at that time, especially in Dallas, he was hitting those threes and, like I said, with his passing and his ability to just get down and see the floor, it makes the game easier for me. I got a lot of catch and shoot threes in Dallas and I probably haven't had that many for the last month or so. Once he got back in the lineup, he was able to create, draw two or three guys, get kicks to me and some Got open eyes. And like me, it's a different game and challenge, so just try to get better at it.
In his first 10 games with the Clippers, Darius Garland has averaged 20.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 50.7 percent from three. Kawhi Leonard has averaged 30.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game so far with Garland.
"It's simple," Leonard explained. "We're still working through it, obviously. I don't know what game it is for him, but it's a steady progression, especially without someone who went through the first part of the season and training camp. But it's been great to have all the positivity. I want him to do his best on the field. If he's going, I'm going to stay out of his way. If I'm going, he's going to stay out of my way or just try to find each other. So. Just keep working and we'll see what each other likes. It's been positive."
The LA Clippers only have 10 games left this season, and they are currently 36-36 on the season. They will be trying to win their 15th consecutive winning season, the longest active streak in the NBA. To do that, LA would have to go 6-4 over its last 10.
