The LA Clippers obviously can’t hope for a quick return from Kawhi Leonard. After he also missed Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns, it is, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports also “highly unlikely” that he will make the trip to Arizona for Game 5.
As Haynes emphasized, Leonard’s specific condition is still not known, but the difference in altitude on the flight to the Suns is not conducive to the recovery of Leonard’s right knee. He was last used in game 4 of the series against the Utah Jazz. In the five games without him, the Clippers are at 3-2.
While Leonard did not even accompany his team on the away trip to Phoenix at the beginning of the series, he was criticized for the fact that he watched Game 3 in a VIP lounge in the Staples Center and not on the sidelines with his colleagues.
Head coach Tyronn Lue did not want to comment on this at a media round on Friday, but stressed that Leonard has been “much louder” since his injury than before and is doing everything to support the team. He also shared his observations with the players and coaches at half-time. “It’s great that his thoughts continue to be part of the team,” said co-star Paul George.
Over eleven games, Leonard has so far put 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the playoffs at 57.3 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from the triple line. The injury occurred in the final quarter of Game 4 against the Jazz in a foul by Joe Ingles. Leonard gave the all-clear after the game, like Shams Charania von The Athletic reported, however, the Clippers even fear injury to the anterior cruciate ligament.
Game 5 against the Suns will take place on Tuesday night (from 3 a.m. live on DAZN) instead of.
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