"Locked in with clutch mentality" - Clippers fans hyped after Kawhi Leonard outlines team's mindset after Game 2 win

Kawhi Leonard led the LA Clippers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets to even the series 1-1. Leonard had 39 points on Monday night, negating Nikola Jokic's 19th career triple-double as the Clippers beat the Nuggets 105-102.

After the game, TNT's Lauren Jbara asked Leonard about the key to the Clippers' huge victory. The two-time NBA champion pointed to their defense, especially in the final minute of the contest. He even praised the Nuggets for having a tough team.

"It came down to stops at the end of the game," Leonard said. "Great basketball team, especially at home, MVP caliber player in Nikola Jokic. Great guys around him, Murray, they're all playing great. It's a tough, tough fight. That's what the playoffs are about."

Asked about how their mindset would shift ahead of Games 3 and 4 in LA, Leonard said:

"Same mentality. We have got to go out there and play good basketball and stay focused."

NBA fans hailed Kawhi Leonard's performance and his mindset heading into the next two games at home. They praised the two-time NBA Finals MVP for his return to form after injury problems over the past few years.

"Yo, Kawhi's locked in with that clutch mentality! Ready to dominate Game 3 at home!" a fan tweeted.

"Playoff Kawhi is great for the NBA," one fan claimed.

"Hopefully, he doesn’t get injured after these close games," another fan remarked.

"A healthy Kawhi is the best player in the world," a fan wrote.

"He is MJ when healthy," one fan commented.

"That focused mentality is key for the Clippers! Staying sharp and ready to strike will make all the difference in Game 3," another fan responded.

Kawhi Leonard hasn't been involved in a playoff series since 2020, when they blew a 3-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets.

Kawhi Leonard wants Clippers to stay focused for rest of the series. (Photo: IMAGN)

Leonard needs to remain healthy if the LA Clippers want a real shot at moving to the next round. He looked good in the first two games with no restrictions on minutes played.