“This is what Kawhi lives for”: Los Angeles Clippers' head coach Ty Lue and others praised Kawhi Leonard for 'historic' performance in Game 2

The Los Angeles Clippers ' head coach showed immense trust in the team’s forward, Kawhi Leonard , whose magical performance in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets became the talk of the town. The NBA called it a ‘historic’ performance as he scored more than 35 points and 78.9% FG for the second time in his career. In addition to the head coach, his teammate, James Harden , and analysts lauded Kawhi’s Game 2 spectacle.

Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue and others summed up Kawhi Leonard’s Game 2 performance with kind words


The Los Angeles Clippers demonstrated champion-like play in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets. The team’s forward Kawhi Leonard ruled Game 2 with a stellar performance, which won the Clippers and added a feather to his cap. Appreciating Leonard’s ‘historic’ performance, the team’s head coach Ty Lue said:


“This is what Kawhi lives for. He's healthy for the playoffs, and we know when we got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series. And he just showed you tonight what he's capable of doing.”








Kawhi Leonard’s performance was acknowledged by the NBA, too. They highlighted his performance on X and explained why his Game 2 performance is special. Their tweet read:


“Game 2 vs. DEN (39 PTS, 78.9 FG%) marked the second time in the Klaw’s career he’s scored 35+ points on 75% shooting or better in the postseason!


He joins:

Dirk Nowitzki (3 times)

Devin Booker (2 times)

Shaquille O'Neal (2 times)”

Game 2 vs. DEN (39 PTS, 78.9 FG%) marked the second time in the Klaw’s career he’s scored 35+ points on 75% shooting or better in the postseason!

He joins:
Dirk Nowitzki (3 times)
Devin Booker (2 times)
Shaquille O'Neal (2 times) https://t.co/BN0y26GNAE pic.twitter.com/bCk4K09W7b

— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2025

Kawhi’s performance was praised by various analysts, too. At FS1’s YouTube Channel, Speak, Joy Taylor, Keyshawn Johnson, Paul Pierce, and Ric Bucher sat down to analyze Game 2. Referring to Kawhi Leonard’s Game 2 dominance, Ric said, “This is better than vintage Kawhi.”









Kawhi’s 39-point performance helped the Clippers tie the series 1-1 at the end of Game 2. The Clippers are leading the series 2-1 after Game 3.



Kawhi Leonard managed to create history despite restricted appearances in games; teammate James Harden praised him


At 33, Kawhi Leonard is a deadly weapon for the Clippers. Due to a swollen knee, the small forward had to stay off the court for the first 34 games of the 2024 season. However, he displayed no sign of the impact of that condition in Game 2 and kept the opponents on their toes.









The highlight of his Game 2 performance was an assist, which drove the Clippers to a 105-102 lead. Amongst various admirers, one was the Clippers guard James Harden. Praising Leonard’s performance, Harden said:


“His shot-making ability is elite. That’s the aggressiveness we need from him, no matter what’s going on, no matter who’s guarding him.”


Harden acknowledged that Leonard’s limiting factor is his knees. Appreciating his performance despite the imperfect knees, Harden said:


“It’s always negative. It’s always what he’s been through and what he’s not able to do just because of something he can’t control.”








“But we don’t appreciate how great he is when he’s actually out there and putting up performances like (Game 2). … It’s something we’ve got to live with I guess in this world. For me being closer to him, and every single day seeing the work he puts in, you appreciate him.”



The Clippers’ guard was an All-NBA First Team selection last year. His work is stuff legends are made of. His six NBA All-Star selections, two NBA championships, and Final MVP recognitions are proof.


Also Read: Kawhi Leonard’s current form might be the most dangerous thing in the league right now