Kawhi Leonard's New Strategy Turns Clippers Around

Sometimes the best solutions are hiding in plain sight, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

For nearly two years, the LA Clippers coaching staff had been asking franchise star Kawhi Leonard to shoot more three-pointers. They knew it would open up the offense and protect his body from constant contact in the paint. But Leonard, comfortable dominating from mid-range and inside, wasn't ready to change.

Then came December, with the Clippers drowning at 6-21 and their offense ranked 23rd in the league. Leonard finally decided it was time to try something different.

"We were in a hole," Leonard said. "So I just tried to see what we needed and I thought that's what we needed." He told head coach Tyronn Lue he would shoot 12 threes in a game, and then went out and did exactly that in a win over the Lakers on December 20.

The shift has been remarkable. Since that game, Leonard has averaged nearly nine three-point attempts per game, hitting more than 43% of them. His willingness to shoot from outside has pulled defenders away from the basket, creating space for his teammates to drive and cut.

The numbers tell the story of the transformation. The Clippers now rank second in offense and score nearly eight more points per 100 possessions. They've won 16 of their last 19 games, climbing back into playoff contention.

Assistant coach Brian Shaw, who both played with and coached Kobe Bryant, sees similar dedication in Leonard's approach. "He already had the work ethic and the methodology of how he goes about things," Shaw said. "And now Kawhi has embraced getting up more 3-point attempts and has worked at it day after day."

The Ripple Effect

Leonard's decision to change his game has done more than just improve his own statistics. His willingness to keep shooting even during struggles has encouraged his teammates to do the same, creating a more confident and free-flowing offense across the entire roster.

The shift also helps preserve Leonard's body for the long season ahead. Instead of grinding through contact on every possession, he can create opportunities from the perimeter while staying healthier.

When healthy and engaged like this, Leonard remains one of the most impactful players in basketball. The Clippers have won 66% of their games when he's on the floor since joining the team in 2019.

What started as a desperate attempt to salvage a lost season has become a blueprint for sustainable success, proving that sometimes all it takes is one person willing to step outside their comfort zone.