Kawhi Drops 34 to Save the Clippers After Blowing a 23-Point Lead

Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points with 6 three-pointers to rescue the LA Clippers after they blew a 23-point lead against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. The 19-year-old rookie had 25 and 9 boards in a performance that had the Clippers on the ropes — but Leonard scored 7 of LA's last 11 points to put it away.

This is the version of Kawhi that terrifies the rest of the league. When he's locked in like this — 34 points on efficient shooting with clutch shotmaking — there might not be a more dangerous player in basketball. The Clippers have won 7 of their last 9 and their streak of .500 or better seasons is now at 15, the longest active run in the NBA.

Flagg continues to show why he was the No. 1 pick. Going toe-to-toe with Kawhi Leonard and nearly pulling off the comeback is exactly the kind of performance that has him in the Rookie of the Year conversation. But tonight belonged to Leonard.