Michael Smith Classified as NBA After displaying indications of rustiness, Kawhi Leonard rejoins the Los Angeles Clippers lineup in their 96-93 setback to the Dallas Mavericks.
After a layoff due to a knee injury, Kawhi Leonard rejoined the Los Angeles Clippers. In their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, the Clippers fell short 96-93 despite his efforts, which included 15 points and seven rebounds.
Tuesday night, the Mavericks leveled the series. In his first game since March 31, Leonard played for 35 minutes before taking a rest because of discomfort in his right knee.
After the game, he said, “I felt good.” We still have time to get better and more games to play. All I have to do is keep looking for my beat.
Coach Tyronn Lue didn’t place a cap on the number of minutes Leonard could play; instead, he monitored Leonard’s mood throughout the contest. Leonard has not engaged in any contact drills prior to his postseason comeback.
Leonard said, “I felt wonderful the last couple of days. Leonard sat on the bench as the Clippers defeated the Mavericks 109-97 in Game 1.
Paul George, a teammate, commented, “It’s nice to have ‘2’ back out there,” alluding to Leonard’s jersey number. We’ll modify our beat to fit him as he finds his own.
Before Friday night’s Game 3, Leonard will have a few days to get back into his routine.
