Dallas, Texas – LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is facing uncertainty for Game 4 after his surgically repaired right knee showed inflammation following the team’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3. Leonard, who had missed 23 days with knee inflammation earlier, struggled to perform at his usual level during the game, contributing to the Clippers falling behind in the playoff series.
In response to questions about his availability for the upcoming game, Leonard expressed his desire to play despite the discomfort in his knee. The Clippers’ head coach, Ty Lue, had previously noted Leonard’s positive condition after Game 2 but Leonard admitted that his knee did not respond as expected after the recent match.
Both Leonard and the team’s president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, acknowledged the challenges posed by the persistent inflammation in Leonard’s knee, despite the structural soundness of his surgically repaired ACL and meniscus. Leonard, who suffered injuries in the previous postseasons, is determined to overcome the setback and continue contributing to the team.
During the game, Leonard’s limited play time led the Clippers to rely heavily on other players like James Harden, who stepped up to fill the gap left by Leonard’s restricted minutes. Paul George, another key player for the team, highlighted Leonard’s efforts to push through his injury and support the team despite not being at his best physically.
As the Clippers face a pivotal Game 4 without certainty about Leonard’s availability, the team is focusing on adjusting their strategies to compensate for his potential absence. Despite the challenges, the Clippers remain determined to push forward in the playoff series and make the necessary adjustments to overcome the hurdles they face.