Kawhi Leonard emphasized focus and competition after the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Sacramento Kings 114-111 on Friday night. “Just competing, playing basketball… no matter who’s on that floor with us, we got to go out and compete,” he said.
Leonard described the emotions following Ivica Zubac’s trade to Indiana. “Man, you know almost I mean like losing a brother… we see these people, you know, the players around here more than you see our family in a sense… he’s a face that we’re going to miss in the locker room,” he said.
The forward expressed optimism about the team’s new additions. “Just try to do the best I can and get these wins… obviously we missing a lot of talent with the guys that are coming over still, the guys leaving,” Leonard said, referencing Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson.
Leonard also praised Zubac’s development over the years. “It just takes time… he just kept working and over time he got to be the guy that stay in the fourth quarter, hold down the fourth for us in the paint… he’s playing well and you know he’ll still have a chance to win in Indiana,” Leonard said.
Reflecting on the Clippers’ roster turnover, Leonard explained his trust in the front office. “Obviously, just they’re trying to get younger… they got to do what’s best for them… just got to stay focused and try to compete out there,” he said.
Leonard addressed his long-term commitment to the team despite constant changes. “Right now I’m not thinking about anything else but trying to finish the season off and you know that’s the main goal,” he said.
The star forward highlighted the potential impact of younger teammates on the team’s pace. “Yeah, I mean I’m a guy that likes to, you know, get up and down the floor… those guys are going to bring a lot of pace and youth and energy… maybe I could, help those guys just get better and, you know, ride their coats for a little,” Leonard said.
Leonard’s leadership was crucial as the Clippers overcame a two-game skid. He scored 31 points with nine rebounds and seven assists, helping Los Angeles hold off Sacramento despite trailing 49-48 at halftime.
The victory improved the Clippers to 24-27, keeping them in the Western Conference play-in race. Sacramento dropped to 12-41, extending its losing streak to 11 games.
