Kawhi Leonard Drops Career-High 55 Points as Clippers Defeat Pistons 112-99

In a stunning display of scoring prowess, Kawhi Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on December 28, 2025, at the Intuit Dome.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP was unstoppable, shooting 17-of-26 from the field (65.4%), 5-of-10 from beyond the arc (50%), and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line (94.1%). Leonard also contributed 11 rebounds, five steals, and reportedly three blocks in a complete performance that tied the Clippers' franchise single-game scoring record, previously set by teammate James Harden earlier this season.

Game Highlights: Kawhi Leonard's Explosive Third Quarter Seals the Win

Leonard saved his best for the third quarter, pouring in a career-high 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting. This outburst helped the Clippers pull away after the Pistons had closed the gap to nine points early in the period. A 16-5 run capped by a Leonard 3-pointer pushed the lead back to 20 at 81-61.

• First Half: Leonard scored 25 points as the Clippers built a lead of up to 20.
• Third Quarter Surge: 26 points, surpassing his previous career high of 45 (set in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors) and reaching 51 by quarter's end.
• Historic Feats: Leonard became one of only a few players in NBA history to record 55+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ steals, and multiple blocks in a game. He and Harden are the only duo to achieve 55 points with 5+ steals and 5+ made 3-pointers.

James Harden supported with 28 points, while Nicolas Batum added 12. The Clippers, playing with an veteran-laden starting lineup (all starters 30+ years old), extended their winning streak to a season-high four games, improving to 10-21.

For the Pistons (24-8), who entered as the Eastern Conference leaders, Cade Cunningham led with 27 points (after a scoreless first half due to foul trouble), nine assists, and five rebounds. Jalen Duren posted a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Former Clipper Tobias Harris contributed in the loss, though specific stats were not highlighted in reports. Detroit struggled from deep, shooting just 24.1% (7-of-29) from three.

Why This Kawhi Leonard Performance Stands Out

This marks Leonard's first 50-point game and shatters his previous career high of 45 points. Coming off a 41-point outing against the Houston Rockets just days earlier, Leonard has been on a tear during the Clippers' recent surge. His efficiency against one of the league's top defenses underscores his status as one of the NBA's premier two-way players.

Postgame, when asked if he was having fun, Leonard simply replied, "Oh, yeah."

What's Next?

• Clippers: Host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
• Pistons: Visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

This Kawhi Leonard career high performance has NBA fans buzzing, reminding everyone why he's called "The Klaw." Search terms like "Kawhi Leonard 55 points," "Kawhi career high," and "Clippers vs Pistons highlights" are trending as fans relive one of the season's top individual efforts.