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Kawhi Leonard to Miss Game 5 Due to Knee Injury
Los Angeles Clippers’ forward Kawhi Leonard will be absent for the second consecutive game as he continues to battle inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, confirmed coach Ty Lue ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5 clash against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard’s absence was felt in Game 4, where the Clippers emerged victorious with Paul George and James Harden stepping up to lead the team to a crucial win and tie the series at 2-2. With Leonard sidelined, the duo combined for an impressive 66 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds.
Having missed the final stretch of the regular season and the series opener, Leonard made his return in Game 2, playing 35 minutes and contributing 15 points. However, the star forward admitted that his knee did not respond as expected, prompting concerns within the organization. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, revealed that Leonard experienced swelling, leading to his continued absence.
Despite his inability to play, Lue emphasized Leonard’s importance off the court, highlighting his active involvement in team activities and his role in guiding and mentoring his teammates. Lue stated, “He keeps himself involved, understanding what we’re trying to do. He’s really vocal and has helped us out a lot even though he’s not playing.”
Leonard’s return timeline remains uncertain, with the team prioritizing his health and ensuring that he can perform at his best before making a comeback. Until then, the Clippers will look to compensate for his absence and rally around their remaining stars to secure victory in his absence.
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