9:25 PM ET
LOS ANGELES — Finally able to shed his cumbersome protective face mask, Kawhi Leonard enjoyed a milestone Sunday that included the best quarter of his life and reaching 10,000 career points.
Leonard scored 35 and tied his career high of making seven 3-pointers, leading the Clippers past a red-hot Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls, 130-127, at Staples Center.
It was a third quarter to remember for Leonard. He scored 21 points and hit five 3-pointers — the most points and triples he has had in a quarter — while surpassing 10,000 points in his 10-year career in the third.
Afterward, Clippers coach Ty Lue presented Leonard with the game ball as the team applauded the former two-time Finals MVP.
“It’s a steppingstone,” Leonard said. “But to be honest, I really don’t care about it.
“”My eye is on the next day, next game. … Maybe when I retire, I’ll sit back and look at the accomplishments. But right now, it’s about being greedy and wanting more.”
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Leonard was finally able to play a full game without the protective gear he had been using to protect his mouth after he needed eight stitches