LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard's back ‘locked up' during warmups, which led to his very late scratch against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

According to head coach Doc Rivers, Leonard's scratch was ‘literally five seconds' before tip-off. He added that the Leonard tried to stretch it but nothing worked. The head coach believes it's not a long term concern but is not entirely confident with his assumption.

In 36 games for the Clippers, the two-time NBA champion has averaged 27.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. Leonard has frequently missed some games due to load management which serves to nurse minor injuries. Though ahead of Thursday's duel with the Kings, Leonard looked healthy and was bound to play. The team has yet to release detailed information regarding the All-Star's status.

Against the Kings, the Clippers were pummeled without him. While they started out strong in the first quarter, the offense suddenly dwindled in the next quarters. At the half, the Kings mounted a comfortable 20-point lead. In the end, the Luke Walton-led squad completed the upset, 124-103.

Paul George made his return after missing the last nine games due to a hamstring injury. In limited minutes, George dropped eight points, four rebounds, and four assists. Lou Williams led the Clippers with 22 points while Montrezl Harrel had 21 markers.

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The Kings, meanwhile, had five players in double figures in scoring. De'Aaron Fox led all scorers with 34 points to go along with eight assists. Buddy Hield had 19 points; Cory Joseph and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 and 15 points, respectively; and Dewayne Dedmon had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

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