Kawhi Leonard Ruled out for Clippers vs. Nuggets After Suffering Facial Hurt
Ashley Landis/Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard most valuable eight stitches after struggling a decrease in his mouth leisurely in Friday’s 121-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Head coach Ty Lue said after the sport that Leonard is restful being evaluated nevertheless he expects the four-time All-Star to be “dazzling.”
“I did no longer even see it,” Lue told newshounds. “… He goes to be dazzling. He bought up and walked off the bottom so he’s right.”
Leonard used to be bloodied after colliding with teammate Serge Ibaka with around six minutes ultimate within the fourth quarter. He remained on the courtroom for just a few moments earlier than being taken to the locker room.
He used to be ruled out for the relaxation of the sport quickly after.
Leonard had 21 factors, seven assists, five rebounds and 4 steals in 30 minutes before exiting.
Leonard missing time as he manages his workload has change into the norm one day of noteworthy of his occupation, and he has by no procedure seemed in additional than 74 games in a single season.
He performed 60 games in 2018-19 with the Toronto Raptors, even though that load management did no longer quit him from leading the Raptors to a championship as arguably the right two-manner participant within the league who can earn over a sport at a 2d’s glance on either kill of the bottom.
In his first season in L.A., which used to be shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Leonard performed in 57 of the team’s 72 odd-season games. Nonetheless, the Clippers dissatisfied within the head, shedding within the 2d spherical of the playoffs.
His presence is a valuable just L.A. is on the real looking shortlist of championship contenders yet again, and it is complicated to examine it a hit the Larry O’Brien Trophy if he’s no longer on the bottom.
Discover for Paul George to anchor the offense from the soar must restful Leonard miss time. The aggregate of Lou Williams, Luke Kennard, Marcus Morris Sr., Patrick Patterson and Nicolas Batum will likely play more minutes as neatly.
Subsequent up, Los Angeles hosts the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at 3: 30 p.m. ET.