Clippers star Kawhi Leonard set a new franchise record on Saturday vs. Sacramento by scoring at least 20 points for a 45th consecutive game, eclipsing the mark Bob McAdoo set during the 1974/75 season when the team was known as the Buffalo Braves, per an Associated Press report.
However, there was little to celebrate for the Clippers and Leonard, who exited the game with 9:27 left in the fourth quarter after suffering an injury later diagnosed as a left ankle sprain. Without the star forward, who had 31 points before the injury, the Clippers were unable to complete a fourth-quarter comeback and saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the 17-51 Kings, the worst team in the Western Conference.
While the home loss to Sacramento is a disappointing setback for a Clippers team looking to solidify its hold on the No. 8 seed in the West – and gain a little ground on the No. 7 Suns – Leonard’s health is the more pressing concern going forward.
Leonard’s injury occurred while he was defending Kings wing DeMar DeRozan. He went up to contest the ball as DeRozan looked to shoot or pass, but landed awkwardly on DeRozan’s foot and came up limping (video link via NBA.com).
Although the Clippers confirmed that Leonard wouldn’t return to Saturday’s game and later confirmed that he suffered a sprain, the team has yet to indicate whether he’ll miss additional time.
After being limited to 37 games last season for health reasons, Leonard has made 53 appearances and has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his 15-year NBA career in 2025/26. The 34-year-old has averaged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals in 32.3 minutes per game, with an excellent shooting line of .501/.378/.897.
Leonard has played a key part in helping L.A. turn things around after a disappointing 6-21 start to the season. The club has a +4.1 net rating when he’s on the court and a -5.9 mark when he’s not, so his absence will be felt if he has to sit out games this week. The Clippers will host the Spurs on Monday before embarking on a three-game road trip to New Orleans (Wednesday and Thursday) and Dallas (Saturday).
It’s almost time for the playoffs so this going according to schedule
With Kawhi, it’s never been a question of if he’ll get hurt, but when.
karma for all the shady stuff he does
The derozan-kwahi saga continues
Conspiracy theory: I think Kawhi is looking at a lifetime ban and that’s why he was ballin out so hard the last couple months.
Definitely possible lol
@daveyJ, the idea that Kahwi is thinking this may be his final season doesn’t need to be a conspiracy theory.
Yes, agreed that he expects a big suspension because he knows that the NBA can’t afford the appearance of not punishing him. Anything less than 1 full season seems lenient.
Now consider that he’s about to be 35 years old, has a horrific injury industry, plays in pain, and has > $500M in the bank.
If you’re in his shoes and you get a big suspension, wouldn’t you just say “F it”?
If I was Kawhi… 100000% I’d move on to scamming rich folks at card games.
Oh yeah, its his best way “out” of the league.
Seeing Kawhi put up insane numbers at 34 just to lose because his only good teammates are Garland and Mathurin is hard to watch
He literally has had no help after the trade deadline