Kawhi Leonard finally returned to the L.A. Clippers’ lineup after missing 6 games due to sprained ankle. The 2019 NBA Champ made a memorable (second) comeback into the 2022-23 season after the injury and hit the game-winner in his first game after the return. Despite a good game against the Hornets, which might be called promising by many, Stephen A. Smith is still not convinced that Klaw would stay longer on the court.
Stephen A. made it clear that there is no doubt about Leonard and Paul George being one of the favorites if not the favorite to get out of the Western Conference. “When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy, we know that this is arguably the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals,” said Smith. However, when it comes to the health of the 2-time NBA champion, he had zero faith. “I’m just a person that has NO faith in the health of Kawhi Leonard,” he said.
Smith went all out on the Clippers star and said he leaves the court and misses games with even the slightest injury. According to Smith, “He wants to be a 100% when he plays and anything less..its an excuse not to be on the court.” He further candidly added, “Every time i see him, i am like ok you gonna play next game?” Since the former Toronto Raptors joined the Clippers, he has been criticized, and rightfully so for taking games off for load management. For most of his time with the Clippers, Leonard has been off the court due to small and big injuries.
For Smith when it comes to Kawhi, the question is never about the greatness and the skillset of the 2-time NBA Finals MVP. The only he has when the question is attributed to the health of Kawhi Leonard. He said, “I am not worried about his skill i am not worried about his greatness…question is, is he gonna be on court tomorrow!”
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Kawhi Leonard comes clutch in his first game being back from injury
In Klaw’s return, the Clippers were playing the Hornets and the game was tied at 117-117 with 6 seconds remaining on the clock in the 4th quarter. John Wall took the ball out of bounds and threw it to Leonard. The former Spurs star took 1-2 jabs, a single dribble on his left, and with a step-back lethal mid-range, scored a beautiful jumper over the defender with 1.4 seconds remaining. Ty Lue’s side won the game 119-117.
Entering into the season, with the hope that Kawhi Leonard had finally made a recovery, the Clippers were favorites to make it to the finals from the conference ahead of the Lakers and the defending champions Golden State Warriors. However, once Leonard returned to the lineup for the season but had to sit out due to a knee injury. He made his comeback again but sat out for 6 more games due to an ankle sprain before appearing against the Hornets.
Despite his winner against Charlotte, the 5-NBA-All Star wasn’t happy with how his team blew a good lead in the fourth quarter, but he was happy being back and doing what he loved.
After the game against the Hornets Kawhi said that he felt good to be back on the court. “It felt good to be back,” Leonard told reporters. “I love this game of basketball. I don’t think nobody loves playing more than me…..and it gives me joy when I am able to play,” he said.
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