Kawhi Leonard records his third career buzzer beater

Kawhi Leonard (Google Images)

Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard recorded his third career buzzer beater on Friday as the Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 126-124 at the Intuit Dome. This was the second buzzer-beater of the season, and was part of the NBA Cup, the league’s silly midseason tournament.

Leonard’s game-winning shot on Halloween came with the game tied at 124. It was a two point field goal from 20 feet. Forward Derrick Jones Jr. of Chester, Pennsylvania had the lone assist.

There was actually a strong comeback in the game by the Pelicans. New Orleans was once down 92-75 with two minutes and eight seconds left in the third quarter before having an impressive run.

Leonard finished the game with 34 points, six steals, five rebounds and five assists. The 34 points are the most points he has had in a game this season. In 2025-26, Leonard is averaging 23.8 points per game, six rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, and 2.2 steals per game.

The first buzzer beater in Leonard’s career was possibly the most dramatic shot ever made in the history of the Toronto Raptors. It was a 15 foot field goal in game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals, a 92-90 Raptors win over the Philadelphia 76ers on May 12, 2019. Leonard’s second buzzer beater was one foot and came in a 111-110 Clippers win over the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2025. 

The first buzzer beater this season also had a Los Angeles connection. It was made by Austin Reaves in a 116-115 Lakers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 29.

With the win, the Clippers improved to a record of three wins and two losses. That is second place in the Pacific Division and only one game back of the Lakers.