Kawhi Leonard's Comeback Game Has Clippers Fans Hyped

Kawhi Leonard had his moment pregame, taking his last shot, soaking in the chants of “Kawhi! Kawhi!” and giving the crowd a rare glimpse of his excitement before heading into the locker room. Not something you see from the famously stoic guy every day.

The hype was warranted, though, as Kawhi made his long-awaited season debut after missing 34 games due to knee inflammation. It was a big deal for the Clippers and their fans, who have missed seeing their All-Star in action.

Kawhi played 19 minutes and dropped 12 points with three rebounds during the Clippers’ dominant 131-105 win over the Hawks. The crowd was all-in on welcoming him back, and he didn’t disappoint in his limited time.

Despite being on a minutes restriction, Kawhi made an impact right away, hitting his first shot—a three-pointer early in the first quarter. He shot 4-for-11 overall and 3-for-5 from deep, showing flashes of his usual efficiency.

The road back wasn’t easy for Kawhi, who played just two playoff games last season and missed a shot at playing in the Paris Olympics due to his knee. His rehab was no joke, with plenty of grueling five-on-five practices to get him back in shape.

Coach Tyronn Lue said the team grew confident after Kawhi recently ran full scrimmages with the San Diego Clippers, their G League squad. Seeing him back on the floor was a huge boost for the squad.

The Clippers are looking solid now, with Kawhi and Terance Mann both back in the lineup. Mann, who had been out for 11 games, put up a perfect 12 points on 5-for-5 shooting, showing his value as a key reserve.

James Harden, doing his thing, racked up 15 assists, 13 of them before halftime. Norman Powell led the scoring with 20 points, while Trae Young tried to keep Atlanta in it with 20 points and 14 dimes of his own, but the Hawks couldn’t hang.

Why the Clippers Need The Claw

Without him, their offense and defense both take a significant hit. Kawhi is the guy who can create his own shot, lock down the opposing team’s best player, and deliver clutch moments when the pressure is on. In the playoffs, where matchups and elite talent matter most, having a player of his caliber isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Leonard’s absence during key stretches, like last year’s playoffs, exposed the team’s reliance on him to lead and execute in critical moments. While the Clippers have depth and other stars like Paul George and now James Harden, Kawhi brings a different level of efficiency and poise, especially in high-stakes situations. His ability to control the tempo and dominate on both ends gives the Clippers a chance to compete with powerhouse teams in the West like Denver and Phoenix.

Without Kawhi, the Clippers might have enough firepower to win a game or two in a series, but they lose that elite edge that separates playoff contenders from championship threats. His playoff experience, Finals MVP pedigree, and leadership on the court are irreplaceable. If the Clippers hope to make a deep playoff run or even sniff the Finals, they need Kawhi not just available, but at his best.