The Los Angeles Clippers are riding high as they head into NBA All-Star Weekend, fueled by a game-winning shot from Kawhi Leonard and a surge of community engagement. Leonard’s buzzer-beater against the New Orleans Pelicans on , secured a 126-124 victory and underscored his clutch performance, while the team simultaneously expands its impact off the court through the All-Star Homecourt Hoops initiative.
The Clippers’ momentum is undeniable. They currently boast the NBA’s best record since , at 20-7. Leonard, in particular, is experiencing a career-defining stretch, averaging 30 points per game over his last 24 contests – the highest scoring average of his career. His ability to deliver in critical moments is becoming a hallmark of this Clippers team, evidenced by his tenth game-winning shot in the final five seconds since the 2011-12 season, tied with Stephen Curry for the most in the league.
“It’s Kawhi,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue stated after the win over the Pelicans. “Game on the line, we know where the ball’s going.”
The team’s success isn’t limited to Leonard’s heroics. The Clippers are hosting the 75th NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome and are using the opportunity to give back to the community. The All-Star Homecourt Hoops initiative is providing 5,600 free, NBA All-Star–branded outdoor basketball hoops to families in the Los Angeles area. A family in Moreno Valley recently received a surprise visit from Leonard as part of the program, an experience they described as inspiring for their children and a testament to the broader impact of the All-Star Game.
The initiative highlights the Clippers’ commitment to the Inland Empire, Leonard’s hometown. Isaac Douglas Jr., a youth basketball coach, explained how access to hoops and practice space can positively influence young athletes, emphasizing the confidence, structure, and sense of belonging the game provides.
Beyond the Clippers’ success, several other storylines are developing as the league prepares for the All-Star break. The Detroit Pistons have reached a significant milestone, securing their 40th win of the season – a feat they’ve only accomplished once before in franchise history. Cade Cunningham led the way in their 113-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors, scoring 28 points and showcasing his all-around game.
The New York Knicks also rebounded with a dominant performance, defeating the Philadelphia Sixers 138-89. Jose Alvarado, in his third game with the team, exploded for 26 points, including eight 3-pointers, and five steals, providing a significant spark off the bench. The Knicks’ balanced attack and strong defense have propelled them to a 10-2 record in their last 12 games.
In Charlotte, the Hornets continued their impressive run, winning their tenth game in eleven tries with a 110-107 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball combined for 55 points, while Kon Knueppel added 18, leading the Hornets to a 26-29 record – five more wins than they had at this point last season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are also surging, winning ten of their last eleven games since acquiring James Harden. Sam Merrill had a standout performance in their 138-113 win over the Washington Wizards, going 7-for-7 from three-point range in the first half and finishing with 32 points.
Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets continues to rewrite the record books. With his fourth straight triple-double in a 122-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Jokić recorded his 184th career triple-double, moving him closer to Russell Westbrook’s all-time record. He also became only the third player in NBA history to reach 20 triple-doubles in four consecutive seasons, joining Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.
Tonight’s slate features three games before the All-Star break. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks, while the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Portland Trail Blazers will visit the Utah Jazz to round out the evening’s action.
Before the All-Star festivities officially begin, the world’s top basketball creators will compete in the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup at the LA Convention Center. Sixteen creators, boasting a combined social media following of over 160 million, will participate in a 3v3 tournament. The event will stream live on the NBA App at 10:30 ET.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game, a U.S. Vs. World format, will take place on at the Intuit Dome. Kawhi Leonard was added to the pool of U.S. Players, joining Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant on the roster. The weekend will also feature the Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game and the Castrol Rising Stars game on , and NBA All-Star Saturday night on .
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame also announced its finalists for the Class of 2026, including Blake Griffin, Doc Rivers, and Candace Parker.
