Apr 18, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reacts against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns
(New York, NY) — The Los Angeles Clippers are down their two best players
Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out of Thursday’s Game 3 matchup with the Suns due to a right knee sprain, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Woj reports that Leonard picked up the injury in Game 1 of the series, played through it in Game 2 and is now day-to-day ahead of Game 4 on Saturday. The Clippers are already down Paul George, so losing Leonard is a massive blow. The injury injury is not related to the torn right ACL that kept the two-time Finals MVP out all of last season
“That’s what we’ve been saving up for,” Lue said after Game 1 of how the team managed Leonard. “This moment here in the playoffs, we have to play heavy minutes, especially with PG being out, being shorthanded, and he was great.”
Leonard is averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and six assists through the first two games of the best-of-seven, which is tied 1-1.
It’s nearly impossible to see how the Clippers win on Thursday without either of their stars, and there’s no guarantee that Leonard will be available for Game 4. Even if he is, he likely won’t be at 100 percent.
Just like everyone predicted, the Clippers offense will revolve around Russell Westbrook heading into a pivotal Game 3.
