Tag: Kawhi

  • NBA News: Kawhi Leonard believes James Harden and another Clippers teammate deserve All-Star nods


    Los Angeles Clippers pulled off an impressive 127-117 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, powered by stellar performances from James Harden and Norman Powell. After the game, Kawhi Leonard praised his teammates and expressed his belief that both Harden and Powell deserve spots on the NBA All-Star roster.

    “[James Harden] and [Norman Powell] closing out that game was special,” Leonard said. “It was great, very special. Them taking on the challenge, getting to their spots—they made it look easy.”

    Leonard went on to highlight their consistency this season: “They’ve been playing great all year. There’s a lot of politics in [All-Star selections]. I’m not sure if they’re going to give us two players, but hopefully, they do. They’ve been playing at a high level.”

    James Harden delivered a game-high 40 points, along with five rebounds and nine assists. He shot 12-of-24 from the field and went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Norman Powell contributed 33 points, six rebounds, and three steals on 11-of-23 shooting. The Clippers improved to an impressive 22-8 (.733 win percentage) this season in games where Powell scores at least 18 points.

    Norman Powell #24 and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers celebrate a score during a 131-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks

    Norman Powell #24 and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers celebrate a score during a 131-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks

    Harden: All-Star recognition is secondary to team goals

    A 10-time NBA All-Star, James Harden remains one of the league’s most respected players, but he downplayed the significance of individual accolades this season.

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    “It would mean a lot,” Harden said when asked about potentially earning another All-Star nod. “I think it would be my 10th or 11th. Just being one of the top 24 players in this league—I feel like I deserve it. But I’m not going to campaign for myself. I just go out there, put the work in, and it is what it is.”

    Harden emphasized that team success is his primary focus: “We’re, what, top five or top six [in the standings]? [Norm] is shooting the ball at a high clip, leading our team in scoring. Somebody’s got to make it. We’ve put the work in and put ourselves in a really good position. But that’s out of our control. For us, I think we’re just focused on continuing to rack up wins because we’ve got a bigger goal than All-Star Games.”

    Harden has been productive this season, averaging 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 39.7% shooting from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. He’s one of only three players in the Western Conference averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds, and eight assists per game.

    Powell’s case for All-Star selection

    Norman Powell has been equally impactful, showcasing his offensive firepower. Powell is averaging 23.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.5 made three-pointers per game on 49% shooting from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc. He has scored 20+ points in 28 of the 37 games he has played this NBA season.

    James Harden reveals secret to dominating NBA stats, stuns Clippers coach Tyronn Lue

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    “I think I’ve been playing at an All-Star level all season,” Powell told ClutchPoints. “Honestly, I don’t like talking about myself, but numbers don’t lie—where I’m at, what I’m averaging, what I’m doing across the board, and the efficiency that I’m playing with. I see myself as an All-Star, I want to be an All-Star, and I think I am.”

    As the Clippers continue to climb in the standings, the performances of Harden and Powell remain pivotal. Whether or not both players earn All-Star nods, their impact on the Clippers’ success this season is undeniable.





    In a recent interview, Kawhi Leonard shared his thoughts on the upcoming NBA All-Star game, expressing his belief that James Harden and another one of his Clippers teammates deserve spots on the All-Star roster.

    Leonard praised Harden’s performance since joining the Clippers, highlighting his scoring ability and overall impact on the team. He also mentioned another teammate who he believes has been playing at an All-Star level but may not receive the recognition he deserves.

    With the All-Star game fast approaching, Leonard’s endorsement of his teammates adds to the ongoing debate about who should be selected for the prestigious event. Fans will have to wait and see if Harden and his Clippers teammate ultimately earn their spots on the All-Star roster.

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    NBA news, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Clippers, All-Star, All-Star nods, basketball, sports, NBA updates

    #NBA #News #Kawhi #Leonard #believes #James #Harden #Clippers #teammate #deserve #AllStar #nods

  • Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard not rushing back in return to play


    INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard is in no rush to break free of the minutes restriction he has been playing under since making his season debut recently.

    “I’m taking my time,” the LA Clippers superstar said. “I done that in the past and it led me on the bench, so I’m good where I’m at.”

    Leonard had six points on 3-for-9 shooting and five rebounds in 21 minutes of his third game, a 109-98 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter of a game in which the Clippers trailed by 13 early.

    “Happy we got the win,” he said. “Good team win.”

    The Clippers are 21-17 and sixth in the West.

    “I’m just playing really and trying to do my job to help the team win,” Leonard said.

    Leonard has totaled 26 points and 10 rebounds in 61 minutes over the three games. The two-time NBA Finals MVP started the season late while needing time to rehabilitate and strengthen his surgically repaired right knee that ended his previous few seasons early.

    “I feel good and as long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots,” he said. “That’s all I’m looking for.”

    Leonard’s teammates are working to slowly incorporate him into what they built over the early part of the season. They were 19-15 before he came back.

    “He’s just working his way into conditioning-wise, playing-wise, flow of the game, like all of the above,” James Harden said. “He hadn’t had a training camp, preseason, none of that, so for us it’s just trying to make his job a lot easier.”

    The Clippers provided few and typically vague updates on Leonard’s progress over the early part of the season, when he didn’t speak to media.

    “Kawhi is one of the best players in the league,” center Ivica Zubac said. “When he gets his legs under him and rhythm, he’s going to be really good.”

    Leonard didn’t play at Denver last week after wildfires broke out in the Los Angeles area. He left the team to return to his family.

    “Just trying to get the family in order, making sure that everybody is settled and safe,” he said.

    Asked if his house was OK, Leonard responded, “As we know everybody is not OK. You seen the houses burn down, so it’s self-explanatory.”



    The Los Angeles Clippers’ star player Kawhi Leonard is taking a cautious approach to his return to play after suffering a knee injury earlier this season. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Leonard is not rushing back to the court and is focused on fully recovering before making his comeback.

    In a recent interview, Leonard stated, “I’m just taking it day by day and listening to my body. I want to make sure I’m 100% healthy before I return to play. It’s important for me to be able to perform at my best and help my team win games.”

    Leonard’s dedication to his health and well-being is commendable, as many athletes often feel pressured to return to play before they are fully ready. The Clippers are surely missing their star player on the court, but they understand the importance of Leonard’s long-term health and are supporting his decision to prioritize his recovery.

    Fans can rest assured that when Leonard does make his return, he will be in top form and ready to lead the Clippers to victory. In the meantime, the team will continue to work hard and improve their game in his absence.

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  • James Harden sends clear message to Clippers about Kawhi Leonard’s struggles this NBA season


    The Los Angeles Clippers secured an important 109-98 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night at the Intuit Dome, strengthening their position in the Western Conference of the NBA. However, the win came despite an underwhelming performance from Kawhi Leonard, prompting James Harden to deliver a clear message about the team’s role in supporting their star forward.

    “Obviously, he’s just working his way into conditioning-wise, playing-wise, floater game, all of the above,” Harden said of Leonard at the postgame press conference in Los Angeles, as shared by journalist Tomer Azarly on X. ”He hasn’t had a training camp, pre-season, none of that.”

    Harden’s comments shed light on the factors affecting Leonard‘s performance to start the season. Against the Heat, the two-time NBA champion managed only 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 21 minutes, well below the level expected from a player of his caliber.

    Recognizing the importance of team support, Harden emphasized the need for the Clippers to ease Leonard’s transition back into form. “I think for us, it’s just try to make his job a lot easier,” Harden explained. “For us, it’s just continue to do what we’ve been doing and then slowly incorporating him into what we’re doing.” Despite Leonard’s struggles, Harden remained positive, adding, “He’s looked great.”

    Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

    Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on October 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

    Leonard shares his perspective

    Kawhi Leonard, addressing his performance and return after an extended absence, expressed patience and optimism. “I’m taking my time,” he said. “I’m good where I’m at… I’m just playing really and trying to do my job to help the team win.”

    He also reflected on his physical condition. “I feel good and as long as I’m feeling good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots. That’s all I’m looking for.” Leonard added that the win over Miami was a step in the right direction. “Happy we got the win. Good team win.”

    Clippers thrive despite Leonard’s struggles

    Even with Leonard still finding his rhythm, the Clippers have managed to stay competitive in the Western Conference, holding a 21-17 record. Against the Heat, the team leaned on standout performances from James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac.

    Harden led the way with 23 points and 11 assists, while Powell posted a team-high 29 points. Ivica Zubac delivered an impressive double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 20 rebounds.

    Kawhi Leonard reflects on the biggest challenge of his Clippers season debut

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    Leonard praised his teammates’ efforts, expressing optimism for the team’s outlook. “They’ve been playing well all season,” he said. “Hopefully we can get some wins under our belts and move up in the standings, secure a playoff spot. That’s what we’re working for.”





    James Harden, the star guard for the Brooklyn Nets, recently sent a clear message to the Los Angeles Clippers about Kawhi Leonard’s struggles this NBA season. Leonard, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in the league, has been facing criticism for his inconsistent performances and lackluster play.

    Harden, known for his sharp shooting and playmaking abilities, made a statement during a recent press conference, highlighting Leonard’s difficulties on the court. Harden pointed out Leonard’s below-average shooting percentage and his struggles to make an impact in crucial moments of games.

    The message from Harden serves as a warning to the Clippers that they cannot rely solely on Leonard to carry them to success. With the playoffs fast approaching, the Clippers will need Leonard to elevate his game if they hope to make a deep postseason run.

    Harden’s comments have sparked a debate among basketball fans about Leonard’s current form and whether he can regain his dominant play in time for the playoffs. It remains to be seen how the Clippers will respond to this message from Harden and if Leonard can silence his critics with an impressive playoff performance.

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    2. Kawhi Leonard
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  • Kawhi Leonard struggles in win – Kawhi Leonard News






    In a surprising turn of events, Kawhi Leonard struggled in a recent game despite his team pulling off a win. The star player, known for his exceptional skills on both ends of the court, seemed to have an off night, scoring below his usual average and making uncharacteristic mistakes.

    Fans and analysts are speculating about the possible reasons behind Leonard’s subpar performance. Some are pointing to potential fatigue or injury, while others believe it may have been just an off night for the usually consistent player.

    Despite his struggles, Leonard’s team managed to secure the victory, showcasing the depth and resilience of the squad. It will be interesting to see how Leonard bounces back from this performance in the next game, as fans are surely hoping to see him return to his dominant form.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Kawhi Leonard and his performance in future games.

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  • Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Status for Clippers vs Trail Blazers


    Kawhi Leonard may have returned earlier this month, but on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, he made his true return to the basketball court.

    On Wednesday, Leonard put up 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal on 72.7% shooting from the field. Leonard has only played in four games this season, but his game against the Nets was the first time where he actually looked like a version of himself. Granted, it’s still going to take some time before Leonard starts playing like what fans remembered last season.

    Unfortunately, Leonard won’t be taking the floor tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers due to the game being a back-to-back. Clippers head coach Ty Lue already revealed on Wednesday that Leonard would not be playing tonight due to injury management.

    Wednesday night wasn’t just a big performance for Leonard, but also for the Clippers. LA had their largest win in franchise history, defeating the Brooklyn Nets by a shocking 59 points. After the game, Leonard was asked about his performance, and he said he wasn’t surprised.

    “No. I work hard every day and I love this game. I put in my repetition. So things like this aren’t a surprise for me,” Leonard said.

    Even without Kawhi Leonard on the court, the LA Clippers should be able to handle the 13-26 Portland Trail Blazers. If not, there are bigger questions to be asked.

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    Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Status for Clippers vs Trail Blazers

    As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to take on the Portland Trail Blazers, all eyes are on star player Kawhi Leonard and his injury status. Leonard has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of several recent games, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming matchup.

    According to recent reports, Leonard has been listed as questionable for the game against the Trail Blazers. The team is taking a cautious approach with their star player, as they want to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court.

    Leonard’s presence on the court is crucial for the Clippers, as he is known for his defensive prowess and ability to score clutch baskets. Fans are hopeful that Leonard will be able to suit up for the game against the Trail Blazers, but his health remains the top priority for the team.

    Stay tuned for updates on Kawhi Leonard’s injury status as the game approaches. Clippers fans will be eagerly awaiting news on whether their star player will be able to take the court and help lead the team to victory against the Trail Blazers.

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    #Kawhi #Leonards #Injury #Status #Clippers #Trail #Blazers

  • Kawhi Leonard Makes Honest James Harden Statement


    The LA Clippers defeated the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night in what was a historic performance for the team. Winning by a franchise record 59 points, the Clippers also made NBA history by becoming the first team to score at least 125 points while holding their opponents under 70.

    This game featured Kawhi Leonard’s best performance of the season, as the two-time Finals MVP scored 23 points in 24 minutes. Playing just his fourth game of the season, Leonard looked the most comfortable he has thus far.

    Leonard scored 11 of his 23 points in the third quarter, going a perfect 4/4 from the field in that frame.





    After the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Brooklyn Nets, Kawhi Leonard made a candid statement about his opponent James Harden. Leonard praised Harden’s skills on the court, saying, “James is one of the toughest players to guard in the league.” The two superstars put on a show for fans with their exceptional play, proving why they are considered among the best in the NBA. Leonard’s honesty and respect for Harden’s talent highlight the competitive spirit and camaraderie among players in the league. It’s always refreshing to see athletes give credit where it’s due, and Leonard’s remarks serve as a reminder of the mutual admiration and respect that exists among elite basketball players.

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  • Kawhi Leonard To Make Season Debut Saturday After Rehabbing Right Knee

    Kawhi Leonard To Make Season Debut Saturday After Rehabbing Right Knee


    The wait is over for one of the most impactful players in the NBA on both ends of the court.

    LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is scheduled to make his season debut Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

    After ruling him out on Friday afternoon, the team adjusted their injury report three hours later to upgrade Leonard’s status to “questionable,” common protocol for the Clippers when a player is on the verge of returning.

    Missing the first 10 weeks of this NBA campaign, Leonard has battled right knee inflammation for the better part of a year. It first became an issue last April when swelling in his knee caused him to miss the Clippers’ final eight games of the regular season.

    When he attempted to come back and make an impact in the first round of the playoffs, the organization’s medical staff realized he wasn’t physically ready to perform at such a level. They held him out of the series after two lackluster performances to save him from himself.

    Two months later, Leonard reported to Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas, which became a short-lived venture after Grant Hill and Team USA officials sent him home over concerns about his knee inflammation.

    Those practices and scrimmages in Las Vegas were the last we’ve seen of Leonard on the court. He’s been out of action for 253 days, rehabbing his knee and taking the proper precautions to prevent further damage over the grueling NBA schedule.

    After dealing with perhaps the worst injury luck of any recent All-Star, Leonard appears healthy and ready to test out his knee at game speed.

    Patience was always going to be the route for the Clippers, who are due for some good fortune after years of ill-timed injuries and playoff absences from their franchise cornerstones. With Leonard now in his age-33 season and James Harden under contract for one more year (2025-26), there may not be many opportunities left to compete for titles.

    That’s why the rehab process couldn’t be expedited. Both Leonard and the training staff had to be smart about it.

    And the process is still ongoing — his return to the floor certainly isn’t a guarantee that other issues won’t arise. The Clippers will continue monitoring his knee daily, seeing how it responds as the workload increases, and focus on the long-term approach rather than jeopardizing the final years of his prime.

    For the team, this only gives them a massive boost in shot creation and defensive IQ. Leonard will slide right into the gritty lineups head coach Ty Lue has leaned on this season. Almost halfway through the 82-game grind, LA is a quality team flooded with guys that have chips on the shoulder.

    Just as Clippers owner Steve Ballmer told me three months ago, they were prepared to surprise doubters and blow up any preseason predictions:

    He practically hit the nail on the head. Without the internal expectations after losing Paul George, there has been more joy and intrigue around this Clippers season. Even they didn’t know what it would look like, but now, everyone in the building is enjoying the ride.

    Despite the Clippers having their highest-paid player on the sideline for 34 games, they are still four games above .500 and tied in the loss column with the Dallas Mavericks. Their supercharged defense, currently the fourth-stingiest in terms of halfcourt production, will now add one of the wisest perimeter defenders of the last decade when Leonard returns.

    You can almost guarantee there will be a minutes restriction for him to follow early on, but even then, the Clippers will notice improvements across the board.

    With 99% of the national coverage painting Leonard in a negative light because of his injury history (an unfair and inhumane stance), there simply isn’t enough discussion about how productive he is when healthy. Somehow, last year flew under the radar when it was mightily impressive — even by his standards.

    He appeared in 68 games last season before his knee swelled up, the most since 2017 in San Antonio when he finished third in MVP voting. Averaging just shy of 25 points and four assists per 36 minutes, Leonard reminded viewers why he’s still a force. It was his most efficient year, shooting 56.9% from two and 41.7% on threes, culminating in an All-NBA Second Team recognition.

    Leonard’s impact was undeniable for the Clippers as they grabbed a homecourt seed in last year’s playoffs. They outscored opponents by 8.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor in those 68 games, compared to the -3.7 net rating during his minutes on the bench.

    Now, he’ll be joining a group that’s already been injected with more athleticism and youth compared to previous iterations of the roster.

    Fans should still temper their expectations, however, considering the training staff will likely be conservative with how many games he plays each week. With the NBA schedule being so cramped, it’s challenging for any player to return from a long absence and immediately be themselves again.

    It will take time, and the Clippers understand that.

    Saturday will also be Leonard’s first game playing in the franchise’s new basketball mecca, the Intuit Dome, where the Clippers are 11-6 this season and embracing the new state-of-the-art training facilities and technology.

    Leonard, who has two years and $100.3 million remaining on his contract after this season, is just ready to start fresh and leave the major injuries behind him.



    The highly anticipated return of Kawhi Leonard is finally here! After months of rehabbing his right knee, the Los Angeles Clippers star is set to make his season debut this Saturday. Fans can’t wait to see Leonard back on the court, showcasing his incredible skills and leading his team to victory. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting game as Leonard makes his long-awaited comeback. #KawhiLeonard #Clippers #NBA #SeasonDebut

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  • Kawhi Leonard injury update: Clippers star expected to make season debut Saturday vs. Hawks, per report

    Kawhi Leonard injury update: Clippers star expected to make season debut Saturday vs. Hawks, per report


    Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday when they host the Atlanta Hawks, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes. The team upgraded him to questionable on Friday night.

    Leonard, who has been suffering from inflammation in his right knee, has been playing full-contact 5-on-5 in practice since Dec. 18, but the Clippers wanted to see him get more scrimmages in before bringing him back, coach Tyronn Lue told reporters.

    Three months ago, team president Lawrence Frank said that, while the swelling in Leonard’s knee was almost gone, they wanted to be cautious. Last season, Leonard played in 68 of the Clippes’ first 74 games, then missed their last eight because of inflammation in his knee. He tried to come back during their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, but his knee didn’t respond as well as they’d hoped it would. This time, they wanted to make sure that he doesn’t wind up in a similar situation. 

    “I know he doesn’t like to play 5-on-5 a lot outside of the games, but this is very important to the medical staff, to Lawrence, to our group as well,” Lue said. “Just making sure he’s getting the right amount of reps, making sure he’s doing everything so this doesn’t occur again. so we can kind of monitor the fluid and see how it’s working. So far, it’s been really good, and we just want to continue to keep progressing.”

    If Leonard indeed comes back on Saturday, he will have missed the Clippers’ first 34 games of the season. The Clippers have gone 19-15 (tied in the loss column with the No. 6 Mavericks) without Leonard thanks in large part to their top-five defense. 

    Their offense, however, ranks in the bottom 10. James Harden’s usage rate is the highest it has been since 2019-20, but he has told reporters that he’s not worried about his role changing when Leonard comes back.

    “It’s funny, me and Kawhi talked about that a little bit on the bench today,” Harden said after the Clippers’ 102-92 win against the Golden State Warriors, via ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly, on Dec. 27. “Whenever his return is, we just talked about [it], and I just said, ‘Just work your way in,’ you know what I mean? ‘Cause he feels like he doesn’t want to just come over and just mess up the flow and the chemistry that we have been building up, but I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. Like, I’ve been in every situation in a sense of like being the main guy, having to take [a step back]. So I think, for our aggressiveness and our team, we’re going to still play the same way. It’s just we got another unique weapon on both ends of the floor, so it’s definitely a bonus for us.”

    In 2023-24, Leonard made the All-NBA Second Team and averaged 23.7 points on 62.6% true shooting, plus 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 34.3 minutes.





    Kawhi Leonard injury update: Clippers star expected to make season debut Saturday vs. Hawks, per report

    According to a recent report, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his season debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. Leonard has been sidelined with a foot injury since the start of the season, but it appears he is finally ready to return to the court.

    Fans and teammates alike have been eagerly awaiting Leonard’s return, as he is considered one of the best players in the NBA. His presence on the court is sure to provide a significant boost to the Clippers, who have been struggling to find consistency in his absence.

    It will be interesting to see how Leonard performs in his first game back, as he will likely be looking to make a statement and remind everyone why he is considered one of the top players in the league. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s return and how it impacts the Clippers’ season moving forward.

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    Kawhi Leonard injury update, Kawhi Leonard season debut, Kawhi Leonard injury news, Clippers star injury update, Clippers star season debut, Clippers vs Hawks, NBA injury report

    #Kawhi #Leonard #injury #update #Clippers #star #expected #season #debut #Saturday #Hawks #report

  • Sources — Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard plans to make season debut Sat.

    Sources — Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard plans to make season debut Sat.


    LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard plans to make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome, sources confirmed to ESPN.

    The Clippers upgraded Leonard to questionable Friday night, indicating he is set to return to action for the first time since April 26, 2024.

    Leonard has been sidelined all season because of inflammation in his right knee. In early December, he returned to practice for the first time since last season.

    The Clippers have had surprising success this season without Leonard, going 19-15, second in the Pacific Division.

    Leonard, 33, played 68 games last season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

    News of Leonard’s plan to play Saturday was first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes.



    According to sources within the Los Angeles Clippers organization, star player Kawhi Leonard is planning to make his season debut this Saturday. Leonard has been sidelined with a knee injury since last season and fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the court.

    The sources indicate that Leonard has been working diligently on his rehabilitation and is finally ready to rejoin his teammates for game action. His presence on the court will undoubtedly provide a major boost to the Clippers’ lineup and help solidify their position as contenders in the Western Conference.

    Fans can expect to see Leonard back in action this Saturday, so be sure to tune in and witness the return of one of the NBA’s top talents. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s comeback and the Clippers’ season as it unfolds. #KawhiLeonard #Clippers #NBA #SeasonDebut

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    #Sources #Clippers #Kawhi #Leonard #plans #season #debut #Sat

  • Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Expected To Return Saturday

    Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Expected To Return Saturday


    All-Star Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to play his first game of the year with L.A. on Saturday against the Hawks, sources inform NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter video link). ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Leonard intends to play.

    For their part, the Clippers officially upgraded Leonard’s status against Atlanta to questionable.

    Last week, it was initially reported that the former two-time Finals MVP and the Clippers were targeting this January 4 tilt for Leonard’s return to action. It appears that remains very much the plan, and his ramp-up from an offseason procedure to address right knee inflammation is still on track.

    Leonard took part in a 5-on-5 team scrimmage with L.A. last week, and has practiced with the club’s NBAGL affiliate, the San Diego Clippers, during L.A.’s recently-concluded three-game road trip.

    L.A. went 1-2 on that road trip. But the Clippers have had a surprisingly robust start to their 2024/25 season sans Leonard, thanks in large part to the prolific scoring of guards James Harden and Norman Powell. The club is currently 19-15 on the season. That record is good for the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed, a solid finish without the team’s most expensive player.

    In 2023/24, Leonard enjoyed his healthiest season yet while playing for his hometown team. Across 68 contests, the San Diego State alum averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks a night. He was named to his sixth All-Star and All-NBA teams for his efforts.

    Sadly, the 33-year-old’s luck ran out in the postseason, as he survived just two playoff games for the Clippers. Leonard has not made it through the playoffs healthy since his first season with L.A., 2019/20.



    After missing the last seven games due to a knee injury, Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to make his return to the lineup on Saturday. Leonard, who has been dealing with a sore right knee, has been sidelined since June 14th.

    The Clippers have sorely missed Leonard’s presence on the court, as they have gone 3-4 in his absence. His return will provide a much-needed boost to the team as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

    Leonard’s return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Clippers gear up for a crucial matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. With the playoffs right around the corner, having their star player back in the lineup will be a huge advantage for the team.

    Fans can expect to see Leonard back in action on Saturday, as he looks to help lead the Clippers to victory and secure their spot in the postseason. Stay tuned for more updates on Leonard’s return and the Clippers’ playoff push.

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