San Antonio Spurs talisman Kawhi Leonard has been declared out for Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors, head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters on Saturday morning.
While Pop insists “he's not thrilled” with the decision, the man at the helm claims “he's still not ready” as Jonathon Simmons draws another start at small forward in place of Leonard, attempting to follow up on a brilliant 22-point outing during Game 2.
The Spurs will have the support of their fervent home crowd for the next two games, but will need more than a loud arena to get through a Warriors team that is undefeated this postseason.
San Antonio had no starters in double figures for the exception of Simmons, who led the way in scoring, as the other four totaled only 25 points combined.
Leonard's injury during the third quarter of Game 1 has played a pivotal role in the series, as Golden State has taken advantage of it at both ends of the floor.
The reigning Western Conference champs have found their spark from beyond the arc and focused their attention on big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who struggled in Game 2, scoring only eight points in 4-of-11 shooting from the field.
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