Kawhi is All Systems Go for the 2025 NBA Season

Kawhi Leonard takes a shot from the top of the key in their preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

A preseason is typically a warm-up game where the outcomes are irrelevant. However, this wasn't your typical preseason matchup. The Clippers and Nuggets had clashed in a seven-game thriller last postseason, and the intensity of that first-round series noticeably continued into Sunday's game.

Kawhi Leonard searches for an open teammate while Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets defends. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

Trading baskets back and forth, the Clippers ultimately fell to the Nuggets 102-94, splitting their two home games before embarking on a road trip ahead of the NBA's regular season start.

Both Denver and LA played with remarkable effort, with one particular Clipper superstar who shone brighter than a disco ball: Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers dunks the ball in their preseason matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

The six-time All-Star went into "loco" mode, scoring 17 points in just 19 minutes of play. "Now I can begin training camp healthy, fit, and ready," Leonard said to ESPN's Malika Andrews during the in-game interview.

Kawhi Leonard completes his shot during the game against the Denver Nuggets. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

It's been ages since he had a full training camp, but now that the Klaw is back in action, healthy as ever before the season kicks off, and knows the playbook like the back of his hand, Clipper fans can just kick back, chill out, and enjoy the show that is Clipper basketball.

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