Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard receives a lot criticism over his controversial load management program. This is why some naysayers have discredited Leonard as the best player in the NBA today.

However, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers believes that Leonard is “playing as well as anyone in the league right now,” per Nick Friedell of ESPN.

Article Continues Below
More Clippers News
Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) reacts after missing a three point basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Clippers’ Nicolas Batum declines player option, but there’s a catchAbdullah Imran ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) saves a ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
NBA rumors: Hawks, Clippers among Nickeil Alexander-Walker free agency suitorsZachary Howell ·
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks to post up against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Clippers trade with New York Knicks amid day 2 of NBA DraftTomer Azarly ·
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Kawhi Leonard’s eye-opening NBA Finals move revealedMalik Brown ·
Penn State Nittany Lions forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) looks to pass the ball as Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center.
Clippers select Yanic Konan Niederhauser with No. 30 pick in 2025 NBA DraftTomer Azarly ·
Michael Olowokandi (Clippers) and Danny Ferry (Duke) together. Clippers logo front and center.
Clippers’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historyBailey Bassett ·

It's almost impossible not to bring up load management when talking about the two-time Finals MVP. Constantly seeing him sit out games, especially one of back-to-back sets, have soured some fans and analysts. Still, it is hard to ignore the major impact he has on the Clippers whenever he steps foot on the court.

As for Saturday night, it was just another day in the office for Leonard in the team's 118-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Klaw top-scored for the team with 31 points on 9-of-21 shooting, adding six rebounds and four assists while draining four 3-pointers. More amazingly, he did all those in just under 24 minutes.

Leonard has been on fire as he recorded his ninth straight 30-point game against the Timberwolves. In the eight games prior to Saturday, Leonard averaged 35.0 points on 51.8 percent shooting from the field — all while converting nearly three triples per game and shooting 88.1 percent from the foul line. Moreover, he also posted 7.9 points, 5.4 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 block over that stretch to showcase his evolving all-around game.

Over the course of his nine-year career, Leonard has transformed into one of the most complete players in the NBA. Initially starting as an elite lockdown perimeter defender, Kawhi Leonard worked to develop one of the most unstoppable offensive games in the NBA today. This season, he is showcasing his progress as a playmaker, averaging a career-best 5.2 assists in his age-28 season.