Kawhi Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points on Sunday night, matching the Clippers’ franchise record for most points in a single game, as the Clippers defeated the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons 112–99 at Intuit Dome. The record was previously set by James Harden earlier this season. Leonard also pulled down 11 rebounds, finishing with all but four of his points through the first three quarters.

He reached the 50-point mark in the final minute of the third quarter, with a pull-up jumper from the corner over Ronald Holland to push his total to 51 — surpassing his previous career high of 45, set in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. Leonard scored 26 points in the third quarter alone, one more than he scored in the entire first half.

The Clippers entered the fourth quarter with a 23-point lead, allowing Leonard to sit for most of the final quarter before returning late to cap off his 55-point night. He logged 39 minutes in the win.

Leonard was efficient, shooting 17-of-26 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range. He went 16-of-17 from the free-throw line, snapping a streak of 64 consecutive made free throws. Despite the miss, Leonard has been nearly flawless this season, converting 123 of 126 attempts from the line.

James Harden added 28 points, while Nicolas Batum contributed 12. The Clippers shot 47% from the field but received just five points from their bench in their fourth straight win.