Kawhi Leonard Rules Los Angeles In His Clippers Debut: 'He Talks With His Game'

Kawhi Leonard finally made his long awaited debut for the LA Clippers, and it did not disappoint.

The NBA's opening night began with a Kawhi Leonard New Balance ad that claimed 'LA was his city.' In the advertisement he had a crown key chain attached to his car keys, signifying that he was the new king of LA. It wasn't just talk, he immediately proved it on the court later that night.

At one point, Kawhi scored 7 straight baskets to bring the Clippers back into the game. It was a moment Doc Rivers described as, 'a great sign of leadership.' From that moment on, the Clippers were clicking on all cylinders. 'He created the run for us, and everyone else joined,' Doc Rivers said. 'That's what he does, he talks with his game. I think that's way it should be.'

Leonard outperformed his LA counterparts, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, in quite possibly one of the biggest stages the LA Clippers have ever had. In a game where a record breaking 400 media were credentialed, it felt like a statement needed to be made. During a crucial fourth quarter when the game was tied at 85, Leonard scored 7 points, while James & Davis scored 2; Kawhi Leonard outscored LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the fourth quarter by himself.

Kawhi's dedication to all facets of the game has improved each year. He wasn't an offensive threat in his earlier years, then transformed into a scorer, and is now transforming into more of a facilitator.

'[Kawhi] was absolutely wonderful. He can score, but he does so many other things. He made so many smart defensive plays, switches, challenges, and deflections. He really made some great passes today as well. His ability to make others better has over the last couple of years has really jumped up. That's going to help us in the long run.' - Doc Rivers

While Doc Rivers and other NBA players tried to downplay last night's game as '1 of 82', the atmosphere said differently. Yes, this opening night game is merely a droplet in the ocean, but it set a tone for the Clippers.

The Lakers may have the most famous player in the NBA, but the Clippers want to make it abundantly clear that they have the best player in the NBA. Not only was that message clear with the Clippers handing out shirts that read 'Hustle Over Hype', and 'Driven Over Given', but it was made even clearer with Kawhi's play.

It's simple, Kawhi Leonard changes the culture of a team.

'Kawhi is one of those guys who carries onto the practice floor. There's very few guys who could affect a practice with their temperament.' - Doc Rivers

While there are still 81 more games left to be played, Kawhi Leonard made his voice crystal clear during opening night - he's the new king of LA.