The LA Clippers defeated the Miami Heat On Friday night, 122-117, thanks to a fantastic performance by Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for what was his first career triple-double.
Leonard struggled shooting 2-of-11 in the first half for only seven points, but erupted for 17 in the third quarter on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting from the field, 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-4 from the free throw line. The Clippers outscored the Heat 38-20 in the quarter, and closed it out on a 15-0 run to build a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
The game also saw Landry Shamet, who is in the best scoring stretch of his young career, score a season-high 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field and 6-of-12 from beyond the arc.
“I take a lot of pride in my job, which is spacing the floor,” said Shamet on his big night. “I don’t think I have to score a lot to do my job. A lot of times if I’m spacing the floor and allowing opportunities for other guys, I'm doing my job. I think that I was moving a lot to day and felt in a good rhythm in that sense.”
The 22 points were the most Shamet has scored in a Clippers uniform since being traded to LA last season. A significant factor in his best game of the year was the attention Leonard was getting every offensive trip. Miami elected to trap Leonard often, which often left guys open. More often than not, it was Shamet, whose six three-pointers and six assists were season-highs as well.
“It’s crazy,” Shamet added on Kawhi Leonard's first triple double. “I’m happy for him. Happy that I got to be a part of it. I’m happy that he passed me the ball a couple times and that I was able to get a couple of the assists on there for him. He does so much for our team. He’s great.”
Leonard had played 501 regular season games and 111 playoff games across nine NBA seasons without recording a single triple-double. That changed on in Miami, the team he also won his first NBA Championship against back in 2014.
“That's what's up,” teammate Lou Williams said when informed of Leonard's first triple-double. “Everyone plays different. I'm happy for him. Maybe it's something that he'll be able to do continuously for us. He's such a selfless guy that he gave us credit for his triple double tonight.”
In 60 games played last year with the Toronto Raptors, Leonard only had six games of at least six assists.
Through 35 games played this season, Leonard already has 13 games of at least six assists. He's also set a career high in assists twice (nine vs. Warriors, ten vs. Suns) and tied it against Miami.
“It’s unbelievable that it’s his first ever in his career,” added Patrick Patterson, who finished with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. “He’s not a selfish player. He draws so much attention so you would think he would have one by now. The first thing that come to mind is that people in San Antonio and Toronto must not have hit shots.”
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra faced Leonard in back-to-back NBA Finals and over the years. He was as surprised as anyone when told of Leonard's first triple-double.
“It’s his first triple-double of his career?” a puzzled Spoelstra asked. “Wow, I’m surprised. As the complete player that he is, I am actually shocked by that. He was fantastic in the second half.”
Even Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was surprised that Kawhi Leonard hadn't recorded a triple-double prior to Friday's game.
“I thought he had one already,” a surprised Rivers said. “That's cool. They were trapping him and instead of trying to force it, he kept taking traps, moving the ball and getting guys open shots. Kawhi said in the locker room just now, I passed you guys the ball, but the key is that you guys were making shots. Then in the fourth quarter he started scoring. It was like he was the boxer and he kind of took his time.”
When it comes to Leonard, however, his reaction to the feat is about what one would expect.
“It’s a great honor, but I’m just happier with the win,” said Leonard. “That's it. It just feels good that we came in here and got a win tonight.”
The best part? Leonard's plans for the game ball.
“Take it home. I don’t know. I might shoot with it.”
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