Kawhi Leonard is playing In ;Terminator mode'

“The Terminator” is here.

No, not Arnold Schwarzenegger, but the other guy that plays basketball for that team in LA. 

Kawhi Leonard.

The LA Clippers just came off their best win of the season against the Houston Rockets 128-108. The victory came behind Leonard’s 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists and his insane shooting splits of 69/80/100. Despite his performance, much like his character Leonard remains focused on the mission.

“It’s a long season, so anytime we put on this jersey, you go to compete and try to win a basketball game. And that’s what I’m taking priority in. I think everyone else is too. Leonard said after the game.

It has been a rough season for the Clippers who are right now 8-21, and are in the 14th seed in the Western conference, but surprisingly there are quite a few things the Clippers should feel encouraged about.

Kawhi Leonard is fully healthy.

Throughout his six year tenure with the Clippers, it seems as if the stigma “when healthy” has followed Leonard even when he's perfectly fine. For the season, Leonard is averaging 26.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, and 2.0 spg. He is tied for his career high in steals per game, as well as his free throw percentage at 97.8% for the season! However his production exceeds the stat sheet. 

Much of the time Leonard was on the court, he took the initiative to guard Rockets All-Star Forward Kevin Durant. Not an easy task by any means, but Leonard was up for the challenge. 

“I mean they got two hall of famer players. Durant said. I think they’ve been playing at an elite level the last few years, so Kawhi and James (Harden) they can win any night. And tonight, they came out and did that.” 

The Rockets did everything they could to try and get Leonard out of rhythm. They switched coverage's, they brought double teams wherever he had the ball, even Rockets Forward Tari Eason tried to get physical with Leonard. It simply wasn’t enough.

Kawhi Leonard’s mentality mirrors “The Terminator”

Coming into the season, many expected for the Clippers to be a top notch team mainly because of their best player’s presence. However, due to a combination of injuries, minutes restrictions, and strength of schedule it's been a rough 30 game stretch. However, there is a lot to look forward to with the Clippers still much in the playoff hunt, despite their bad record.

For a long 82 game season, where emotions tend to be up and down surrounding the team it is beneficial to have your best player maintain a level of calmness. The name “The Terminator” for Leonard fits like a glove.