Clippers Secure Win In Game 4 Despite Kawhi Leonard’s Absence; Spurs To Play Pacers In Paris

There is no estimated date for Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard’s return from right knee inflammation, and he was declared ineligible for Sunday’s Game 4 of a first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Clippers prevailed in the series opener, 116-111, and managed to win without Leonard once more. After missing nine straight games, including the last eight of the regular season, Leonard participated in the second and third games of the series.

In the Clippers’ 101-90 defeat in Game 3, the six-time All-Star never seemed at ease, managing just nine points on seven shots—his lowest total in a postseason game in ten years. Leonard contributed 25 minutes while Dallas won the series 2-1.

Before the game, team president Lawrence Frank described the injury as “tricky” and stated, “When you watch him play, it was very obvious that is not Kawhi Leonard.”

The Clippers have no idea when the 32-year-old’s surgically repaired knee will be ready for action, according to Frank.

Without Leonard, LA prevailed in the first game of the series thanks to 28 points from James Harden, who also made 6 of 11 three-pointers. In Game 4, Harden and Paul George repeated the feat, each scoring 33 points and contributing significantly in the fourth quarter after the Clippers lost a 31-point lead.

Before the game, head coach Tyronn Lue remarked, “We’ve played without Kawhi before.” “We are unable to hang our heads. We are aware of the requirements, the tasks at hand, the game plan, and how to proceed. And we were ready for either scenario. Please accept my sincere gratitude for Kawhi’s efforts to get out there and attempt his best.

For the two-time NBA champion, Leonard played in 68 regular-season games—the most since the 2016–17 campaign in San Antonio. The knee flared up prior to LA’s opening game in April.

After all the effort he’s put in this season and the number of games he’s played to get to this point—where he wants to be in the playoffs—Kawhi must be devastated, according to Lue. “And then to sustain an injury that prevented him from playing at his best and giving it his all. I’m sorry for him.

Leonard is regarded as one of the team’s top defenders and averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists this season despite missing the all of 2021–2022 due to a knee injury. His averages in the playoffs are 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during his career.

Lue stated, “It’s frustrating for the fans, the organization, and the players.” “We recognize that. That’s just the way things are. Sports injuries are a reality. Not only is Kawhi injured at this point in the playoffs, but many other excellent players are as well. Every squad experiences it.

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