Kawhi Leonard, Cade Cunningham lead Clippers, Pistons; Shedeur Sanders falling out of the first round?

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THE LA CLIPPERS AND THE DETROIT PISTONS

Maybe we forgot, after years of injuries and disappointments, just how good Kawhi Leonard can be when his body cooperates. If you needed a reminder, I hope you watched Game 2. The Clippers beat the Nuggets, 105-102, to even the series behind Leonard’s all-timer.

Here are the numbers: 39 points on 15 for 19 (79%) shooting. It’s the second-highest field goal percentage in a 35+ point playoff game in franchise history.It’s also Leonard’s fourth career 30-point playoff game on 75% shooting. Only James Worthy has more in NBA history.But the numbers don’t do it justice. How he got those numbers — tough shot after tough shot, often over an elite defender in Aaron Gordon — was an enthralling experience.

Here’s Sam Quinn on Leonard’s masterpiece.

The Clippers weren’t the only team to tie their series.

Entering Monday, the Pistons hadn’t won a playoff game since Cade Cunningham was six years old. But now, after a tough playoff introduction, Cunningham and his teammates are all grown up. The Pistons beat the Knicks, 100-94, behind a Cunningham bounce back and, finally, some clutch shots and defensive stands.

Detroit’s win snaps a 15-game playoff losing streak, the longest in NBA history.

Cunningham had 33 points and 12 rebounds, but it was Dennis Schroder who delivered a 3-pointer with under a minute left to put Detroit up 97-94.
And what a relief it was. In Game 1, Detroit led most of the way but completely collapsed, surrendering a 21-0 fourth-quarter run. In Game 2, Detroit led…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kawhi-leonard-cade-cunningham-lead-clippers-pistons-shedeur-sanders-falling-out-of-the-first-round/

Author : Zachary Pereles

Publish date : 2025-04-22 13:03:00

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