Despite Anthony Edwards winning MVP, Kawhi Leonard stole the spotlight at the NBA All-Star Game. Leonard later earned much praise. According to First Things First, from former Boston Celtics player Antoine Walker.
“I thought Kawhi Leonard was awesome. To be a hometown guy, in front of your fans… we need to make this game very competitive again.”
“I thought Kawhi Leonard was awesome. To be a hometown guy, in front of your fans… we need to make this game very competitive again.”
Antoine Walker was a big fan of the way Kawhi played in the All-Star Game 🔥
(via @FTFonFS1)
– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 17 February 2026
The NBA All-Star Game format consisted of four games: World vs. Stars, Stars vs. Stripes, and World vs. Stripes. Notably, during the World vs. Stripes game, Leonard scored 31 points and shot 11 of 13 from the field, leading the Stripes to a 48–45 win.
Based on his All-Star Game performances, Leonard is now a seven-time NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021, 2024, 2026). Notably, he was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2020. This year, Leonard is averaging 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
While Leonard has performed well individually, the Clippers are currently 26-28 and in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. Additionally, Leonard has been dealing with injuries and inflammation recently in his left knee.
Adding to the challenges this season, Leonard’s accomplishments attracted media attention amid the NBA’s scrutiny bypassing the salary cap With the help of defunct company Aspiration.
Leonard has been playing with the Clippers since 2019, the same year he won the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. In the 2021 playoffs, he tore his ACL, causing him to miss the 2022 season. The following year, additional knee problems sidelined him.
Walker played 13 NBA seasons (1996 to 2008), was a three-time All-Star with the Celtics, and won the 2006 NBA Championship with the Heat.
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