Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers to a convincing victory against his former team
March 26, 2026
Nicolas Flamecourt
The Clippers dominate with the new Kawhi Leonard – Darius Garland duo
Leonard and Garland form the most effective duo in the NBA. With an offensive rating of 130.1 and a differential of +23.7 points per 100 possessions, the Clippers establish themselves as a serious playoff contender.
Photo Credit : © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The LA Clippers have found their rhythm and are sending a strong message to the rest of the league. After stringing together three consecutive wins following four straight losses, the California franchise crushed an Eastern Conference playoff team by 25 points, proving they deserve to be taken seriously.
Historic statistics that shake the competition
The numbers speak for themselves for the Clippers. In 346 shared possessions on the court this season, Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard display an offensive rating of 130.1 and dominate their opponents by 23.7 points per 100 possessions according to Cleaning the Glass. These statistics place this duo at the top of the NBA hierarchy.
The offensive rating of 130.1 makes them the most efficient offense in NBA history by a significant margin, while their differential of +23.7 ranks them among the absolute elite. Although the sample size remains limited and such production is difficult to maintain, it’s impossible to deny that exceptional chemistry is developing between the two players.
Garland is currently shooting 51.2% from 3-point range on 7.6 attempts per game since his arrival with the Clippers. This remarkable efficiency, even if it should naturally regress, demonstrates the 26-year-old point guard’s renaissance as he rediscovers his rhythm and ability to beat his defenders one-on-one.
A surprising defense that complements the offensive firepower
The most surprising aspect lies in the Clippers’ defensive excellence since Garland’s return. In lineups featuring both Garland and Leonard, the team displays a defensive rating of 106.3, which would constitute the league’s best defense over a full season.
The Clippers compensate for Garland’s defensive shortcomings through players like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., while Brook Lopez perfectly fulfills his role as rim protector and last line of defense. This distribution of roles, where Garland and Leonard carry the offense while their teammates focus on defense, works perfectly under Ty Lue’s direction.
As long as Garland and Leonard stay healthy, the Clippers have no one to fear and establish themselves as a formidable team heading into the playoffs.
DARIUS GARLAND TONIGHT:
41 POINTS
11 ASSISTS
15/24 FG
8/12 3PTHRIVING IN LA. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/4l5sTFSzab
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 22, 2026
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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