Though it’s been a running joke to label Kawhi Leonard a robot, his offensive efficiency this season has been almost precisely robotic. Leonard is averaging 53.3% from the field, 45.7% from three, and 89.2% from the free throw line with 24.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
By finishing the season with an average of 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the line, he can join the elite 50-40-90 club. There have been 13 instances of this achievement, with Kevin Durant being the most recent participant last year. After accomplishing the milestone, Leonard became serious and told everyone that he wasn’t doing this for the stats.
“I believe every player wants to make every shot they attempt, including myself. However, I’m not playing for the score. Make or miss, I’m out there playing the same game.
If you have a volume scorer shooting with this much efficiency, you’re bound to win games. The Clippers are in the race for the No. 1 seed in the West with a 34-15 record. They have a 25-5 record over the last 30 games and are looking like championship contenders.
Nine players—including Dirk Nowitzki, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Larry Bird (2x), Steve Nash (4x), and Kevin Durant (2x)—have entered the 50-40-90 Club.
Kawhi Leonard Mounting An MVP Challenge
This season’s MVP race has been dramatically altered after Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury. He’s bound to miss eligibility for the award, opening it up to one of the other contenders. Luka Doncic has the numbers but doesn’t have the wins, which brings Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to the forefront of the conversation.
Kawhi Leonard deserves to be mentioned among the MVP contenders this season. especially with his crucial contributions to the Clippers’ success.
He has missed only four games so far this season, and his team has a 32-13 record when he plays. He is still one of the league’s best defenders and is shining this season. While Leonard hasn’t been in MVP conversations, it’s time to recognize that the Klaw is on an MVP trajectory, especially if the Clippers end the season atop the Western Conference.
Leonard is averaging 26.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over the last 30 games, shooting 56.8% from the field, 51.0% from three, and 92.2% from the free throw line. With his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA playing with such surgical offensive production, it’s impossible to not consider him as an MVP candidate.
It’ll be unlikely that he ends up winning it because the team’s success is also because of Paul George and James Harden. Both players are also averaging out to be almost 20-point scorers, which will naturally dampen Leonard’s numbers while opening up the floor for him to be as efficient as he has been.
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