The LA Clippers did their job at the start of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The Clippers won Game 1 in Phoenix, taking home court advantage away from the Suns.
Part of the reason that the Clippers were able to do that was the play of Kawhi Leonard. Without Paul George in the lineup, he put the team on his back and put together two dominant performances.
In Game 1, Leonard scored 38 points on 13-of-24 from the field, 3-of-5 on 3-pointers and 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. He also pulled down five rebounds to go with five assists, one steal and one block in a 115-110 win. Los Angeles didn’t win Game 2, but Leonard still had a great night with 31 points to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists with three steals.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, they aren’t going to have that production in the lineup for a pivotal Game 3 on Thursday night. It was announced that Leonard will miss the game because of a right knee sprain.
This is a brutal blow to a Clippers team that is already without their other All-Star in George. With Leonard now joining him on the sidelines, they are going to be fighting an uphill battle to take down a healthy Suns squad.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Just like George, Leonard’s return to the lineup is up in the air. He is considered day-to-day heading into Game 4 as he is dealing with a re-aggravated injury according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Without them in the lineup, Tyronn Lue is going to have to make some major adjustments to his lineup. Marcus Morris Sr. could find himself back in the rotation as the Clippers are going to need some scoring punch with Leonard sidelined. If he wants a defensive-minded option, Robert Covington could get some minutes.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers & Phoenix Suns Updates
Norman Powell and Eric Gordon are going to be relied upon to carry the offensive load on the wing with Russell Westbrook in the backcourt. Lue could give more minutes to Bones Hyland as well as he is a microwave scorer off the bench.
Coming into the season, the Clippers were lauded for how deep and talented their roster was. That will now be put to the test as the roster will have to step up with their top two players being out for Game 3.
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