Kawhi Leonard Is Dominating Again: “He’s an MVP Candidate”
If his current trend continues, ignoring Kawhi Leonard in the MVP race will become increasingly difficult
Kawhi Leonard is experiencing one of the best stretches of his career, leading the team on a winning streak that has radically changed the perception of the season.
The latest showcase of his form came against the Utah Jazz: 45 points, total leadership, and the Clippers’ sixth consecutive win (118-101). But the most impressive data emerges when looking at the bigger picture.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ current momentum isn’t by chance. Before the 20th of December game, Ty Lue clearly outlined the path forward:
Our main goal is to try to finish the rest of the season with a 35-20 record and just keep piling up wins from there on out.
Tyronn Lue
Since then, results have backed up the coach. The Clippers are undefeated (6-0), and the latest 118-101 win over Utah was yet another demonstration of a team finally in sync.
Unreal Numbers: Leonard at the Center of It All
In the last six games, Kawhi Leonard has posted numbers that automatically place him among the league’s elite:
- 39 points per game
- 8.5 rebounds
- 4.0 assists
- 4.2 “stocks” (blocks + steals)
- 53% field goal, 44% three-point, 94% free throw
Extreme efficiency, very high offensive volume, and consistent defensive impact. This isn’t just a hot streak: it’s domination on both ends of the floor – exactly what defines a credible MVP candidate.
And this is where the narrative shifts. Leonard isn’t just “playing well”: he’s dragging the Clippers out of a disastrous season start, restoring identity and ambition to a team that seemed lost.
From Question Mark to Absolute Leader
The real disruptive element is the context. We’re talking about a player with a long injury history, widely considered past his peak. Until recently, the idea that Kawhi could sustain this workload seemed unrealistic.
Now, it’s not.
Leonard looks physically free, explosive, and consistent. He doesn’t force things; he chooses. He doesn’t chase the pace; he imposes it. And while it’s fair to wonder how long he can maintain this level, it’s equally fair to recognize that what he’s showing now is simply extraordinary.
Right now, Kawhi Leonard is the best player on the court most nights. And in the NBA, that’s the first requirement to truly enter the MVP discussion.
Leadership, Confidence, and a Touch of Humor
The Clippers’ renewed energy is evident even in small details. During a break at the Intuit Dome, Leonard surprised everyone with a humorous message aimed at James Harden, signaling a more relaxed and cohesive locker room.
I have a New Year’s resolution for James Harden: see if he can eat without getting his beard dirty.
Kawhi Leonard
A lighthearted moment, but meaningful: when the team’s technical leader feels this comfortable, it shows the team is functioning.
MVP or Not? It Depends on One Thing
The question isn’t about his level of play. That’s already top-tier in the league. The real variable is simple: physical consistency.
“If he keeps this up, he should be considered in the MVP race.”
—NBA Insider
If Leonard stays on the court and the Clippers keep winning, excluding him from the MVP conversation (which likely won’t include Nikola Jokic) wouldn’t be a technical choice, but a narrative one. At that point, his season would carry an even more historic weight, considering the journey that brought him here.