Quick Read
- Kris Dunn recorded 14 points, 5 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Utah Jazz against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan 27, 2026.
- Dunn’s five steals matched his season high.
- Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard praised Dunn’s past impact, calling him a ‘tremendous piece’ for the Clippers.
- Leonard’s comments refer to Dunn’s contributions when he played for the Clippers during their 16-3 winning streak.
- Dunn’s performance marked a strong scoring night, complementing his usual defensive prowess.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Utah Jazz guard Kris Dunn delivered a standout performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, recording 14 points and matching his season high with five steals. This impressive outing coincided with recent remarks from Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who lauded Dunn’s significant, albeit past, contributions to the Los Angeles franchise, calling him a ‘tremendous piece’ during their recent successful run.
Dunn’s defensive prowess was on full display in the Jazz’s matchup against the Clippers. Beyond his five steals, which underscored his reputation as a disruptive force, he contributed efficiently on offense, scoring 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field. He also added two rebounds, two assists, and two three-pointers, according to FantasyAlarm. While Dunn’s impact has historically been ‘strictly wrapped up in steals’ for much of his career and recent seasons, this game marked a notable scoring night that complemented his defensive efforts.
Leonard Reflects on Dunn’s Clippers Impact
Kawhi Leonard’s comments, reported by NBC Sports and detailed in a Yahoo Sports video published on January 28, 2026, highlighted Dunn’s previous role with the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard specifically referred to Dunn’s contributions during a period when the Clippers achieved a significant season turnaround, winning 16 of their last 19 games. These remarks underscore the value Dunn brought to the team during his tenure, even as he now competes for the Utah Jazz.
Dunn had previously played for the Clippers, and Leonard’s reflection serves as a testament to the guard’s ability to influence winning basketball, particularly through his defensive tenacity and energy. His role, often off the bench, provided a crucial spark for Los Angeles, contributing to the team’s improved performance and cohesion. The fact that a star player like Leonard publicly acknowledged Dunn’s past impact speaks volumes about the respect Dunn earned within the Clippers’ locker room.
Dunn’s Season and Future Outlook
For the Utah Jazz, Dunn’s performance against his former team showcased his capacity to contribute beyond just steals. While FantasyAlarm cautioned against expecting such scoring consistency moving forward, a strong offensive night combined with his elite defensive play provides a glimpse into his potential expanded role. Dunn’s ability to generate turnovers and create fast-break opportunities remains his most consistent and valuable asset for the Jazz.
The Jazz continue to integrate players like Dunn into their rotation, seeking to build a competitive roster. Performances like Tuesday’s not only demonstrate Dunn’s individual capabilities but also provide the team with a reliable, high-energy presence, especially on the defensive end. His season-high steals performance reinforces his identity as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, a trait highly valued in today’s NBA.
Kris Dunn’s recent performance for the Utah Jazz, paired with Kawhi Leonard’s timely appreciation for his past contributions to the Clippers, illustrates Dunn’s enduring value as a defensive specialist capable of providing occasional offensive bursts, signaling his continued relevance in the league.