New Year’s Masterclass: Kawhi Leonard Ties Career High in Win Over Utah
In a vintage performance that felt like a "turning back the clock" moment, Kawhi Leonard rang in 2026 with one of the most dominant outings of his storied career. Leonard erupted for 45 points on Thursday night, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a gritty 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Intuit Dome. The win extended the Clippers' season best winning streak to six games and served as a statement that "The Klaw" remains one of the league's premier closers.
Dominance Through Adversity
The night was defined by Leonard’s sheer willpower. For much of the fourth quarter, he was the only Clippers starter on the floor, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. Leonard single handedly matched Utah’s entire fourth quarter output, scoring 20 of his 45 points in the final frame.
Perhaps the most striking image of the night was Leonard playing through a bloodied nose, the result of a scratch sustained during a physical defensive play. Unfazed, he led a late game barrage where the Clippers knocked down seven consecutive three pointers to pull away. Leonard accounted for four of those triples himself, finishing the game with six makes from beyond the arc.
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The Clippers started the game on fire, jumping out to a 28-7 lead as the Jazz missed their first six shots. However, Utah refused to go away quietly. Despite missing three starters, the Jazz mounted a furious comeback in the second and third quarters, led by reserve Kyle Anderson, who scored 22 points, and Brice Sensabaugh, who added 20.
The Jazz actually took their first lead of the game in the third quarter after tying the contest six times. But as the game hung in the balance, Leonard took over. His stat line was a picture of efficiency and aggression:
Points: 45 (16 of 29 FG)
Three-Pointers: 6 (6 of 16)
Rebounds: 7
Free Throws: 7 of 9
Clutch Factor: 20 points in the 4th quarter
Supporting Cast and Team Success
While Leonard was the undisputed star, James Harden played a crucial facilitator role, finishing with 20 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Veteran Nicolas Batum also proved vital, scoring 14 points and going 4 of 6 from deep, providing the spacing necessary for Leonard to operate in the midrange.
The Clippers' defense, a hallmark of their recent six game surge, held the Jazz to just 18% shooting in the final twelve minutes. The victory brings the Clippers' record to 12-21, continuing their steady climb up the Western Conference standings after a rocky start to the season.
Historic Context
This 45 point performance is a significant milestone for Leonard. It ties his regular season career high, a mark he first set exactly seven years ago to the day on January 1, 2019, while playing for the Toronto Raptors (also against the Utah Jazz). Following a 2025 season plagued by load management and minor injuries, this high minute, high usage performance is an encouraging sign for Clippers fans hoping for a deep playoff run.
The Jazz, meanwhile, fall to 10-20 as they struggle with a depleted roster. Rookie Isaiah Collier showed promise in the loss, recording a double double with 16 points and 10 assists, but the night belonged solely to the man in the #2 jersey.