Bad news for the Los Angeles Clippers. This Tuesday the relapse in the physical discomfort that Kawhi Leonard has been suffering since last season was confirmed. So, after experiencing stiffness in his right knee, he was ruled out of games in Oklahoma City on Tuesday and Thursday against the Thunder.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP missed all of last season after tearing his ACL during the 2021 playoffs and has played 21 minutes off the bench in two of the Clippers’ first three games this season. .
Los Angeles head coach Tyronn Lue revealed before Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder that Leonard hadn’t suffered a setback but that he would sit out the next two games.
“After shooting practice, he experienced some stiffness in his knee. We want to be cautious, make sure we’re doing the right thing for him, even though he wanted to play. We just thought it wasn’t the time to risk it. He can get mad at us if you want, but it’s not smart right now,” Lue said before the match.
The Clippers are taking a cautious approach with Leonard, who will fly back to Los Angeles on Wednesday to undergo treatment with the team to monitor him before discussing his availability for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“That pain is part of the process when you have ACL surgery. It’s known to get a bit stiff, so we have to be smart about it,” Lue said, referring to the 31-year-old’s absence.