Image Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

“Healthy, in Shape” – Kawhi Leonard Says He Feels Ready As LA Clippers Lean on Him Entering New Season

Image Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers may have lost 102-94 to the Denver Nuggets in preseason action, but the night was more about Kawhi Leonard’s presence than the final score. Kawhi Leonard, who has missed significant time in recent seasons due to knee issues, looked sharp and efficient in his 19 minutes on the floor.

He finished with 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 1-of-6 from three-point range, and was perfect from the free-throw line at 6-for-6. His stat line also included two rebounds, one assist, and two steals, with a +2 plus-minus during his time on the court.

The numbers themselves don’t tell the full story. What stood out was Leonard’s comfort level and his ability to dictate pace in short bursts. He attacked the rim early, drew contact, and converted at the line.

KAWHI STEAL.
KAWHI TRIPLE.

The Klaw has 17 points in 19 minutes!

Clippers lead by 2 at the half 💯 pic.twitter.com/jkMA2BB2Eh
— NBA (@NBA) October 13, 2025

While his perimeter shot was inconsistent, his willingness to take six attempts from deep showed confidence in his legs. Defensively, he was active, poking away two steals and moving laterally without hesitation, a sign that his body is responding well.

After the game, Kawhi Leonard said: “Now I’m able to come in training camp healthy, in shape and ready to go.” For the Clippers, that was the most important takeaway. His health has often determined how far the team can go, and hearing him speak with confidence was as meaningful as his 17 points in 19 minutes.

Clippers Struggle From Deep as Nuggets Control Efficiency Battle

The LA Clippers as a team struggled to match the Denver Nuggets’ efficiency. The Nuggets shot 46.3% from the field and hit 15-of-42 from three (35.7%), while the Clippers managed just 42.9% overall and 24.3% from deep (9-of-37).

Denver’s balance showed in the box score with 45 total rebounds to the Clippers’ 42, and 23 assists compared to 24 for Los Angeles. The difference came in shot-making, particularly from beyond the arc.

Still, the LA Clippers’ focus isn’t on preseason wins. It’s on ensuring Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are ready to carry the team when the regular season begins. Leonard’s ability to score efficiently in limited minutes, get to the line, and defend without restriction suggests he is on track. His +2 rating in a game the Clippers lost by eight shows his impact when on the floor.