Kawhi Leonard had an incredible season leading up to this point. After spending time in and out of rehabilitation over the last two seasons, the 2x Champion finally returned to full-time basketball. Leonard has been a part of MVP conversations in the past and he still plays at a high level. However, luck can run out sometimes while such players are at their peak condition.
The Los Angeles Clippers superstar was ruled out of Game 3 against the Phoenix Suns last night. He suffered a knee sprain. LA is already down an All-Star in Paul George. Leonard was their only hope of survival. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in the regular season.
The Clippers managed to crack the top five in the Western Conference this season and were projected as potential Conference Finalists as well.
Phoenix was able to secure a Game 2 victory dominantly. Leonard was present on the floor finishing with an impressive 31 points despite his injury. Russell Westbrook was the only other experienced player who scored 28 points. In Game 3, the Clippers could not manage with Leonard, ultimately giving up their first home game. Norman Powell had a 42-point game backed by 30 points from Westbrook.
What happened to Kawhi Leonard?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Kawhi Leonard suffers from an aggravated knee sprain. The insider revealed that Leonard started the series with the injury and played through it in Game 2 as well. However, the Clippers have now listed him as day-to-day ahead of Game 4. Furthermore, Wojnarowski said that this has nothing to do with his previous ACL injury.
Leonard aggravated knee in Game 1, played through it in Game 2 and is expected to be day-to-day ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, source tells ESPN. Injury isn’t related to his previous ACL injury. https://t.co/v7mXgQLokN
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 20, 2023
Ironically, Kawhi’s ACL injury took place against the Pheonix Suns back in 2021. He did not play the whole of the 2021-2022 season either. Ever since the All-Star has been kept under severe observation and load management. Head Coach Ty Lu has addressed that keeping Kawhi in shape is his top priority.
As far as the Clippers are concerned, they are down 2-1 in the series. Devin Booker has been leading the Suns in points averaging 36.6 points per game backed by Kevin Durant. The Clippers have only Westbrook left on the roster for veteran leadership. Kawhi will most likely return in Game 4 but it is a dabble.