Kawhi Leonard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard is a highly decorated NBA player currently with the Los Angeles Clippers. Known as "The Claw" for his defensive prowess and large hands, he is a two-time NBA champion, six-time All-Star, and six-time All-NBA Team member. Leonard's exceptional two-way play has earned him seven All-Defensive Team selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place among basketball's elite.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Magic Johnson Wins Finals MVP

In 1980, Magic Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP at the age of 20 years and 278 days.

1982: Magic Johnson Wins Finals MVP Again

In 1982, Magic Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP again at the age of 22 years and 298 days.

1986: Last San Antonio Player To Score at Least 30 in Six Straight Games Before Leonard

In 1986, Mike Mitchell was the last San Antonio player to score at least 30 in six straight games before Kawhi Leonard.

1989: Dennis Rodman wins first of back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards

During the 1989-90 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won the first of back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards.

1990: Dennis Rodman wins second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award

During the 1990-91 NBA season, Dennis Rodman won his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.

2002: Tim Duncan's Streak of Games Scoring in Double Figures

In 2002-03, Tim Duncan achieved San Antonio's longest streak of scoring in double figures, matching Kawhi Leonard's 91 straight games in 2017.

2004: Chauncey Billups Wins Finals MVP

In 2004, Chauncey Billups won the NBA Finals MVP in a season when he was not an All-Star.

2005: Spurs Beat Record of 63 Wins

During the 2005-06 NBA season, the Spurs reached 63 wins, and Kawhi later helped the Spurs surpass this record.

2010: MWC Freshman of the Year

In 2010, Kawhi Leonard was named MWC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the MWC tournament MVP. He averaged 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, helping the Aztecs win the Mountain West Conference tournament title and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

2012: NBA All-Rookie First Team

At the end of the 2012 season, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and placed fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.

2012: Last Spur to Record Three Consecutive 30-Point Games Before Leonard

In 2012, Tony Parker was the last Spur to record three consecutive 30-point games before Kawhi Leonard.

April 6, 2014: Season-High 26 Points

On April 6, 2014, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 26 points in the Spurs' 112–92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished the season averaging 12.8 points and helped the Spurs to a 62–20 record, earning a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

June 10, 2014: Career-High 29 Points in NBA Finals Game 3

On June 10, 2014, during game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Kawhi Leonard scored a then career-high 29 points in a 111–92 victory. He went on to win the series 4-1 and be named NBA Finals MVP.

2014: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2014, Kawhi Leonard won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs and was named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

2014: Franchise-Record Home Winning Streak

In the 2014-15 season, the Spurs extended their franchise-record home winning streak.

2015: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2015, Kawhi Leonard was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year for his outstanding defensive abilities in the NBA.

January 21, 2016: Named All-Star Starter

On January 21, 2016, Kawhi Leonard was named as a starter for the Western Conference team in the 2016 All-Star Game, earning his first All-Star selection.

March 23, 2016: 32-Point Game Against Miami Heat

On March 23, 2016, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points in a 112–88 win over the Miami Heat, helping the Spurs extend their franchise-record home winning streak to 45 games.

October 25, 2016: Career-High 35 Points Against Warriors

On October 25, 2016, Kawhi Leonard recorded a career-high 35 points and five steals in a 129–100 win over the Golden State Warriors.

2016: Second Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2016, Kawhi Leonard received the Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, recognizing his exceptional defensive skills in the NBA.

2016: Finalist for Olympic Basketball Team

In 2016, Leonard was a finalist for the United States men's Olympic basketball team roster.

January 14, 2017: New Career High of 38 Points

On January 14, 2017, Kawhi Leonard set a new career high with 38 points in a 108–105 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He was the first Spur to record three consecutive 30-point games since Tony Parker in 2012.

February 13, 2017: 32 Points Against Indiana Pacers

On February 13, 2017, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points in a 110–106 win over the Indiana Pacers, marking his fifth straight 30-point game. The Spurs' victory also extended their streak of consecutive winning seasons to a league-record 20.

January 1, 2019: Leonard Scores Career-High 45 Points

On January 1, 2019, Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 45 points in a 122–116 win over the Utah Jazz.

January 14, 2020: Leonard Scores Season-High 43 Points

On January 14, 2020, Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 43 points in just 29 minutes in a 128–103 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 1, 2020: Jersey Retired by San Diego State

On February 1, 2020, San Diego State retired Kawhi Leonard's number 15, marking him as the first Aztecs men's basketball player to have his jersey retired.

2020: Finalist for Olympic Basketball Team

In 2020, Leonard was a finalist for the United States men's Olympic basketball team roster.

2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Kawhi Leonard was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

2021: Ranked 34th Greatest Player in NBA History

In 2021, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, naming Leonard as the 34th greatest player in NBA history.

October 3, 2022: Leonard Returns From Injury in Preseason Game

On October 3, 2022, Kawhi Leonard made his return from injury, putting up 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a 102–97 preseason win over the Trail Blazers.