Kevin Durant’s recent statement on Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers has stirred significant attention in NBA circles. During NBA All-Star media day, Durant, a star for the Phoenix Suns, was asked to name the best team and player in the league outside of the Suns.
“Every night my best players, my top-5, my GOATs, I feel like every week they change… Clippers are playing great ball. If anything I’ll probably say Clippers and give it to Kawhi as the best player I’ve seen.”
Best current player and team in the league outside of #Suns?
Clippers. Kawhi Leonard.
Kevin Durant. #NBAAllStar2024 . pic.twitter.com/DO80qVjzAb
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 17, 2024
His response resonated with many, as he praised the Clippers and singled out Leonard as the standout player.
Durant’s acknowledgment of the Clippers’ impressive performance this season carries weight, considering his firsthand experience facing them in last year’s playoffs. Although Leonard missed most of that series due to injury, Durant recognizes the formidable challenge posed by the Clippers when they are at full strength.
Durant’s endorsement of Leonard as the best player he’s seen outside of the Suns further highlights the impact Leonard has on the court and the respect he commands from fellow NBA stars.
Leonard has been a standout defensive presence, ranking fourth in the league with 1.7 steals per game. Alongside his defensive prowess, Leonard contributes significantly on offense, averaging 24.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently positioned as the third seed in the Western Conference with a record of 36-17. They trail the leading Minnesota Timberwolves by two games and are just half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who hold the second seed at 37-17.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are closely trailing behind in the fifth seed with a record of 33-22, sitting six games behind the top spot.
Durant’s comments also raise anticipation for a potential playoff matchup between the Clippers and the Suns. With both teams positioned among the top contenders in the Western Conference, a playoff showdown between them could be highly anticipated and fiercely contested.
Overall, Durant’s acknowledgment of the Clippers’ excellence serves as a testament to their strong performance this season. His recognition of Leonard’s skill and impact reinforces the Clippers’ status as a formidable team in the NBA landscape.
The Clippers Will Want Revenge Against The Suns In The Playoffs
The looming prospect of a playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns is fraught with anticipation, particularly for the Clippers, who have endured playoff heartbreak at the hands of the Suns in recent years. With two consecutive playoff exits at the hands of the Suns in the past three years, the Clippers will undoubtedly be seeking redemption and revenge when they potentially face off against their Western Conference rivals once again.
In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Suns emerged victorious over the Clippers in a hard-fought six-game series. Despite the Clippers’ resilience and determination, they were hampered by the absence of their star player, Kawhi Leonard, who was sidelined due to injury. Despite their best efforts, the Clippers fell short, fueling their desire to overcome their postseason nemesis in future matchups.
The disappointment continued into the following year’s playoffs, as the Clippers found themselves facing the Suns once again. However, their hopes were further dashed when they were deprived of the services of key players like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard throughout the series. Despite their valiant efforts, the Clippers succumbed to the Suns in five games, exacerbating their desire for redemption.
Now, with a fully healthy roster and a renewed sense of determination, the Clippers are poised to seek vengeance against the Suns in what promises to be an intense and highly competitive playoff showdown. With their star players ready to lead the charge, the Clippers will be eager to turn the tables on the Suns and rewrite the narrative of their postseason battles.
The potential playoff clash between the Clippers and the Suns is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the postseason. As both teams prepare to square off once again, the Clippers will be driven by a burning desire to avenge their past playoff defeats and emerge victorious against their perennial rivals.
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