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Here’s a reminder about The Horry Scale: This tool evaluates a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) based on various factors, including its difficulty, the situation of the game (was the team tied or trailing at the time?), its significance (was it a playoff match or just a routine game in November?), and the celebration that followed. The shot receives a comprehensive score from 1 to 5 Robert Horrys, named after the patron saint of last-second successes.
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Kawhi Leonard is quite accustomed to benefiting from a fortuitous bounce.
One of the six-time All-Star’s most memorable moments occurred in 2019 when he left fans in awe with one of the most unforgettable buzzer-beaters in NBA history. During Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Leonard shocked the 76ers, propelling his Raptors into the Eastern Conference Finals with a corner fadeaway that bounced on the rim four times before finally sinking in. This unforgettable moment ignited the Raptors on their path to their first NBA championship, granting Leonard his second ring.
Thus, it was no shock on Sunday when Leonard leveraged the rim’s soft touch to help the Clippers secure a 111-110 victory in overtime. Trailing by one point with 22 seconds remaining, Leonard opted to take matters into his own hands — and succeeded, penetrating the lane and executing a left-handed layup over multiple defenders, receiving, of course, that charming bounce. The ball hit the back iron, spun to the rim’s front, gently kissed it, and fell through for the win.
WHAT A SHOT BY KAWHI LEONARD.
HIM.pic.twitter.com/o7cDfpcJas
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 10, 2025
GAME SITUATION: The Clippers and Kings approached this critical matchup aware that every win is essential in the fiercely competitive Western Conference playoff race. The Clippers entered the night sitting eighth in the standings, with Sacramento right behind in ninth. With just over a month remaining in the regular season, there’s time to escape the SoFi Play-In Tournament, contributing to the intense atmosphere at the Intuit Dome on Sunday.
In a showdown featuring 23 lead changes, the Kings had an opportunity to clinch the win in regulation; however, Zach LaVine was denied a favorable bounce of his own, as his fadeaway jumper at the buzzer ricocheted off the iron and the front rim, paving the way for overtime dramatics.
In extra time, the back-and-forth continued, with DeMar DeRozan putting the Kings ahead by sinking two free throws with 21.6 seconds remaining. Leonard had faced difficulties all night, shooting 6-for-18 from the field and only converting 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. Nevertheless, he was determined to take the final shot, making sure not to allow any chance for a second overtime.
DIFFICULTY: The execution of the play wasn’t particularly complicated. It was a shot Leonard has made countless times before. Matched up against Keegan Murray, Leonard let the clock dwindle to six seconds before backing into the paint, pivoting left to navigate around Murray, and releasing a left-handed floater over the advancing 7-footer, Jonas Valančiūnas.
The ball tapped twice on the rim before falling through the net, allowing Clippers fans to depart with a lasting memory of victory.
CELEBRATION: Leonard, who isn’t typically known for his exuberance, instantly pumped his fist before making his way past Bogdan Bogdanovic to dash into the backcourt, where his bench teammates awaited to celebrate with the hero. James Harden joined the small gathering, evoking a beaming smile from Leonard as the two embraced in an expression of pure joy.
MOOD‼️
how are we feeling #ClipperNation?pic.twitter.com/Myxu8BsWmr
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 10, 2025
GRADE: While the shot wasn’t a playoff Game 7 winner, it could emerge as one of Leonard’s memorable contributions during his Clippers tenure. The decisive shot marked the Clippers’ third consecutive victory, potentially enhancing their chances for a playoff spot. With every game now carrying significant weight in the playoff race, Leonard’s soft touch — combined with two fortunate bounces — may be precisely what the Clippers require to regain momentum in their tumultuous season. 3 ½ Horrys.
