NBA Review: The "Klaw" is Back! Kawahi Leonard & The Clippers Send a Warning Message to the Entire League

 

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By Sports Desk|December 24,2025

Let's be honest for a second. How many times have we written off the Los Angeles Clippers? How many times have we made jokes about "load management,"injuries, or bad luck? Too many to count. But if you watched what happened on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets, you probably stopped laughing.

This wasn't just a basketball game; it was a public execution. The Clippers didn't just beat the Rockets 128-108; they completely dismantled them. And standing in the middle of the wreckage was one man: Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard: The "Terminator" Returns

We need to talk about The Klaw. Looking at the stat sheet, it feels like a glitch in the matrix. 41 points? Are you kidding me? But it wasn't just the 41 points; it was how he got them. Kawhi looked like he was playing in a different gear than everyone else on the floor. He was getting to his spots in the mid-range whenever he wanted. He was draining threes (4 of them, to be exact) with a hand in his face. He was grabbing rebounds (8 boards) and setting up teammates (5 assists).

There is a specific look Kawhi gets when he is "in the zone." He doesn't smile, he doesn't trash talk, he just destroys you. The Rockets defenders—who are young and athletic—looked absolutely helpless. It didn’t matter who they put on him; Kawhi was getting a bucket. This performance was a loud reminder to everyone in the Western Conference: When Kawhi Leonard is healthy, he is still a Top-5 player on the planet. Period.

The "Scary" Potential of this Duo (Harden & Kawhi)

While Kawhi was undeniably the main character, the scary part for the rest of the league is that he didn't do it alone. James Harden was in his bag Tuesday night. "The Beard" dropped a casual 29 points and dished out 6 assists to keep the offense flowing.

Think about that for a second. Your two best players combined for 70 points. How is any defense supposed to stop that? When Harden is cooking in isolation and Kawhi is operating like a machine, the Clippers become a "pick your poison" nightmare. If you double-team Kawhi, Harden kills you. If you focus on Harden, Kawhi drops 40. The chemistry we saw against Houston was flawless. They weren't taking turns; they were playing together.

Alperen Sengun: A Lonely Warrior

We have to give credit where it’s due. The Rockets got blown out, but it wasn't because of Alperen Sengun. The young Turkish big man fought his heart out. He finished with a monster line of 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. He was battling in the paint, trying to create offense, and doing everything he could to keep his team afloat.

Sengun is often called "Baby Joker" (after Nikola Jokic) for a reason, and you could see those flashes of brilliance. But let's be real—when the other team's superstars are dropping 41 and 29, your 19 points are just a footnote. It felt like Sengun was bringing a knife to a gunfight. He had no help, and the Clippers' defense swarmed everyone else.

Around the League: KD Still Doing KD Things

While all eyes were on the Clippers' blowout, we can't ignore the other legends working on Tuesday night. Kevin Durant quietly put up 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in his game. It’s crazy to think that in year 2025, guys like Kawhi, Harden, and KD are still the ones running the league. The "Old Guard" isn't ready to retire just yet; they are still teaching the young kids a lesson every single night.

The Verdict: Are the Clippers Finally Real Contenders?

After a win like this, it is easy to get carried away. But this felt different. Usually, the Clippers look disjointed or rely too much on one guy. Against the Rockets, they looked like a well-oiled machine. Scoring 128 points in an NBA game is impressive, but holding a fast-paced team like Houston to 108 is even better.

If Kawhi Leonard can stay playing at this MVP level—dropping 40-pieces like it’s a practice session—and if James Harden stays aggressive, the Clippers aren't just a playoff team. They are a problem. A big, scary problem that nobody in the West wants to see in a 7-game series.

Tuesday night was a statement. The message? Fear the Klaw.

Read More:- Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic: NBA Showdown at Chase Center Ignites Global Interest

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many points did Kawhi Leonard score against the Rockets? Kawhi was absolutely unstoppable, dropping a season-high 41 points. He also added 8 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting efficiently from all over the court, including 4 three-pointers.

Q2: Who won the Clippers vs. Rockets game? The LA Clippers dominated the game, winning with a final score of 128-108. It was a 20-point blowout where they controlled the pace from start to finish.

Q3: How did James Harden perform in this match? "The Beard" had a fantastic game alongside Kawhi. James Harden scored 29 points and dished out 6 assists. The duo combined for 70 points, showing great chemistry.

Q4: Did Alperen Sengun play well for the Rockets? Yes, despite the heavy loss, Alperen Sengun was a bright spot for Houston. He recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, along with 7 assists, fighting hard against the Clippers' defense.

Q5: Why is Kawhi Leonard called "The Klaw"? Kawhi is nicknamed "The Klaw" (or The Claw) because of his incredibly large hands, which allow him to palm the basketball easily and rip the ball away from opponents on defense. Tuesday night, we saw "The Klaw" in full effect!