The Los Angeles Clippers have been without superstar Kawhi Leonard since Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. While they were able to take Game's 1 and 2 against the Utah Jazz, the team fell short just 38 hours after Game 6 in Game 1 to the Phoenix Suns.
Leonard is still back home getting treatment on his injured right knee. He didn't travel with the Clippers to Phoenix, so that just about likely rules him out for Game 2 as well. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess.
Prior to the game, head coach Tyronn Lue said Kawhi Leonard was back in Los Angeles, “getting treatment.”
The Clippers still haven't offered any insight or update into the injury Leonard is dealing with, but Reggie Jackson did following Game 1.
“[He's a] leader, big brother,” Reggie Jackson said of Kawhi Leonard after the Clippers' Game 1 loss to the Suns. “A guy who still has confidence in his team. We know he's battling what he's the battling, and he's doing everything he can to get back with us. He's been here in spirit. He's been here vocally. He's been with the team. He's making sure we're good and giving us his best wishes. Still checking in. Keeping up-to-date. Like I said, he's doing everything he can to still have an impact on this team while he's away and doing everything he can to make sure he gets back as fast as possible. We would love to have him.
“It's unfortunate, injuries, any time. Not just us, throughout the entire league, it's been tough for injuries. But nobody's made excuses. Like I said, until he gets back, we have to have a Next Man Up mentality. We just have to figure out a way to be better. I'll take this one on the chin. Guys played well.”
Leonard was seen during Game 6 against the Jazz not wearing a brace and walking without a limp. It's just another good sign and confirms ClutchPoints' earlier report that Kawhi Leonard suffered a sprain ACL and is not expected to miss as much time for the Clippers as initially thought.
In 11 appearances this postseason, Kawhi Leonard is averaging 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game on 57.3 percent shooting from the field and 39.3 percent from three.
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