The Los Angeles Clippers are starting to look like a team that’s found its rhythm. After a rocky start to the 2025-26 season, they’ve strung together five straight wins, capped off by a gritty overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors.
The momentum is real, and so is the climb up the Western Conference standings. But just as things are starting to click, the Clippers are facing a bump in the road - and it comes in the form of Kawhi Leonard’s left knee.
Leonard, who’s been putting together what many are calling a career year, is dealing with irritation in that knee and has been sent home from the team’s road trip for treatment. According to league sources, he’ll be reevaluated once the team returns on Wednesday.
The issue stems from a contusion he suffered last week, and while there’s some soreness, the current outlook is that it’s not a serious injury. Still, anytime Kawhi’s knee is mentioned in the same sentence as “treatment” and “missed games,” it raises eyebrows - and understandably so, given his injury history.
He wasn’t on the floor in Toronto, and his absence was definitely felt early on. The Raptors came out swinging, building an eight-point lead in the first quarter and stretching it to 11 by the third.
But this Clippers team didn’t fold - not even close. James Harden turned back the clock with a vintage performance, logging 42 minutes and dropping 31 points, dishing out 10 assists, and grabbing a pair of rebounds.
It was the kind of game that reminded everyone just how impactful Harden can be when he takes control of the offense.
Ivica Zubac brought the muscle in the paint, delivering a rock-solid double-double: 16 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists in 39 minutes. His presence on the boards was a key factor in keeping the Clippers within striking distance. And don’t overlook Kris Dunn, who added 15 points, four assists, and four rebounds - a steady, all-around effort that helped stabilize the backcourt in Leonard’s absence.
The fourth quarter was where the Clippers really showed their grit. They tightened up defensively, moved the ball with purpose, and chipped away at the Raptors’ lead.
By the final buzzer of regulation, they had clawed their way back to a tie, forcing overtime. From there, it was all Clippers - they out-executed Toronto down the stretch and walked away with a 121-117 win.
Now sitting on a five-game win streak, the Clippers are trending in the right direction. But all eyes will be on Leonard’s status as the team prepares for its next matchup against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. If this squad can keep up the balanced contributions and find ways to win while their star recovers, they’ll be in a strong position once he returns.
The Clippers are showing signs of becoming a dangerous team - one that can adapt, adjust, and close out games. That’s the kind of identity that matters in the long run.