The Los Angeles Clippers are back from the All-Star break with a thrilling 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets, nudging their season record to 27-28. While this win edges them closer to the playoff race, there's a sense of uncertainty from Kawhi Leonard about their championship prospects this year.
In a post-game chat with the media, Leonard reflected on the team’s journey. When asked what it takes to become title contenders, his response was introspective.
“Just development over time. I think it’s over now.
It’s a fourth of the season left. But every day is a day to grow.
A day to learn and get better. So just gotta keep looking over time and see in two weeks if we’re getting better and see what happens from there,” Leonard said.
Leonard’s words highlight the potential growth within the roster. The Clippers made significant moves at the trade deadline, bringing in young talents like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. These additions have injected new energy and promise into the squad.
However, as Leonard pointed out, this doesn’t automatically make them contenders in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Currently sitting ninth, the Clippers are 6.5 games shy of the sixth spot. With 27 games remaining, they have a shot at the playoffs, but both the team and Leonard seem to be casting an eye toward the future.
Kawhi Leonard Lauds Bennedict Mathurin’s Impact
While the Clippers’ immediate window may be narrowing, the future looks bright. The integration of young talent like Bennedict Mathurin offers hope for the coming seasons.
Mathurin’s performance against the Nuggets, where he dropped 38 points, signals his potential as a dependable scoring partner for Leonard. Leonard himself expressed optimism about Mathurin’s role, stating:
“He’s been doing it. It’s great to have another scorer who can get 30 points.
If you watch him in the Finals, he was doing it in the Finals last year. All year last year with the Pacers.
It’s great to have him.”
Acquired from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Ivica Zubac, Mathurin brings a dynamic two-way presence to the team, though it has left the Clippers’ frontcourt a bit lean. For the 2025-26 season, Mathurin is averaging 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, and with free agency looming, the Clippers might find it worthwhile to secure his talents for the long haul.
As the Clippers look to finish the season strong, the blend of seasoned leadership and youthful vigor could set the stage for a promising future.