The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the All-Star played two playoff games before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff
. Leonard averaged 35 points in first two games of this postseason vs. Suns before the meniscus injury was revealed and he was shut down by medical staff.Leonard missed all of last season with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in the Clippers’ second-round playoff series against Utah in 2021.
In his first season back from that injury, he played in 52 regular-season games and averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. In two postseason games in Phoenix, including a Game 1 victory over the favored Suns, Leonard was shooting 54.5% from the field and averaging 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and two steals in those games.
The Clippers expressed regret on Leonard’s behalf that he’d been sidelined by an injury without revealing specifics. “The fact that he got hurt Game 1, tried to play through it Game 2 and people think that he’s out ’cause he doesn’t want to play,” . “I think it just attacks his character, where people don’t understand. Like, he’ll play through it. It’s got to be a reason why he’s out.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Clippers coach plays coy about Kawhi Leonard's availability for Game 5Clippers' Kawhi Leonard sits out practice to get treatment on right knee, with Tyronn Lue saying 'there's always a possibility' he'll play in Game 5.
Read more »
Clippers rule out Kawhi Leonard (knee) for Game 5 vs. SunsThe Clippers ruled out Kawhi Leonard for Tuesday's Game 5 in Phoenix, as coach Ty Lue defended his star forward to any who doubt his injury or have criticized him for load management.
Read more »
Without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Clippers face must-win game TuesdayWithout Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the LA Clippers face a must-win playoff game in Phoenix Tuesday night.
Read more »
Without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the season ends for the LA Clippers in heartbreaking fashionThe season is officially over for the Los Angeles Clippers after losing to the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series.
Read more »