Kawhi Leonard addressed the media after the Los Angeles Clippers’ 128-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome on Wednesday.
When asked about preparing mentally for Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Leonard emphasized routine: “Just play like any other game. You got to do the same thing we do every night. Make sure you don’t make mistakes. Execute. Rebound. Play with energy, bring aggression. Same same thing.”
Reflecting on a similar end-of-season scenario last year in Golden State, Leonard noted: “Oh yeah. I mean it’s a little different locker room than that was before, but no, I mean just go in the game and play. That’s all you could do. Relax and play.”
Leonard also commented on the Thunder’s performance as the league’s best regular-season team. “They’re the champions for a reason. Until somebody dethrone them, they’re going to be the champions. They got an MVP player on their team as well as some all-star NBA players. They’ve been playing great all season and especially down the stretch.”
On facing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season, Leonard recognized the guard’s consistency: “He’s been doing great. Flowers to him and the way he works and keep his body healthy to come in every game and play and be very consistent.”
Leonard continued his scoring streak, reaching at least 20 points in his 56th straight game despite the Clippers’ defensive struggles. Brook Lopez added 16 points, but the Clippers were overpowered by Chet Holmgren’s 30 points and 14 rebounds, alongside Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20 points and 11 assists.
The Clippers now face a critical matchup in Portland on Friday. Leonard’s comments underscore the team’s focus on fundamentals and mental preparedness heading into a likely play-in scenario. “Just play like any other game,” he reiterated, framing the challenge as one of execution over panic.
