Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard couldn’t play in Sunday’s Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks due to inflammation in his right knee. There’s no set time for his return.
The Clippers managed to win without Leonard once more, securing a 116-111 victory after winning the series opener. Leonard had played in the second and third games after missing nine consecutive matches, including the final eight of the regular season.
In Game 3, Leonard seemed off, scoring just nine points on seven shots, his lowest in a playoff game in a decade. He played 25 minutes as Dallas took a 2-1 series lead.
Team president Lawrence Frank noted before the game that Leonard didn’t seem himself on the court due to the injury, which he described as “tricky.”
Frank mentioned they’re unsure when Leonard’s knee will be ready to play.
The Clippers won the series opener without Leonard, with James Harden scoring 28 points, hitting six 3-pointers. In Game 4, both Harden and Paul George scored 33 points each, contributing significantly in the fourth quarter after the Clippers blew a 31-point lead.
Coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the team’s previous experience playing without Leonard, emphasizing the need to stick to their plan and thanking Leonard for his efforts.
Leonard played 68 regular-season games, the most since the 2016-17 season in San Antonio. The knee trouble started before LA’s first April game.
