The 31-year-old Leonard is one of the biggest names in the NBA and has won two career championships – in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs and in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors – and was named Finals Most Valuable Player both times.
But in recent years, Leonard, better known by the first name Kawhi, has been plagued by injuries.
Tonight's game was just his sixth this season, out of a possible 25, after missing the last six with a foot injury.
Additionally, the LA Clippers got back another superstar in Paul George, who missed the last seven games with a thigh injury, and the dynamic duo led the team to a 119-117 victory over Charlotte.
- This was good for us to start finding our way back.
We played well when everyone was healthy, and now we can start building towards being the team that we want to be, says George according to TSN.
"My teammates trust me"
Charlotte had a two-point lead with a minute and a half left before Kawhi Leonard first grabbed a rebound to tie it at 117-117, then deliciously put the winner with 1.4 seconds left on the clock.
- It gives me so much joy when I can play.
It was amazing that I was able to make that shot, Kawhi said.
- I got into the right position and my teammates created space for me.
They trust me to make those shots.
Leonard was noted for a total of 16 points in the game.
He is averaging a modest eleven points per game this season, compared to last year when the same figure was 24.8 points per game.