Following a disappointing performance in Game 3, the NBA world trashed Kawhi Leonard. The former NBA champion returned to the LA Clippers‘ fold in Game 2 after 23 days with knee inflation. The star dropped 15 points in a 35-minute outing, however, tonight, he barely got involved in the proceeding. Following tonight’s loss, the furious fans and critics demanded Tyronn Lue bench Leonard for the next game.

The Claw played only 25 minutes, attempting 7 shots, and clocked out with a 9-point outing. Fans and critics blamed the team as they opted for an injured Leonard in the starting line-up. Popular American broadcaster Bill Simmons said, “This Kawhi thing is crazy. He’s killing them. Clearly not healthy. I’m so confused by this!” via his X handle. Along with Simmons, fans joined the bandwagon, demanding the Clippers bench the star.

Here are some reactions from fans.

This popular reporter highlighted the difference between a healthy and an injured Kawhi Leonard.

A disappointed Clippers fan reminded the NBA world about the Game 1 win out Klaw.

This frustrated fan directly requested the star and asked him not to lace up for the next game.

Apart from Kawhi Leonard, Paul George also had an off night. PG-13 dropped only 7 points in his 30-minute outing. Out of the superstars, only James Harden put up a decent number on the board, scoring 21 points in his 44-minute stay. Moreover, Russell Westbrook had the most concerning night with a 0-7 FG and also got ejected during the crucial juncture of the game. Despite a lackluster performance from almost everyone, the fans pointed their fingers at Leonard.

Not to take any credit from the Dallas Mavericks. The team turned up the heat in the second quarter and carried the momentum in the second half. Kyrie Irving, who had a poor game in the first half, dropping only 2 points, completed the game with 21 points in his brilliant second half.

Will Kawhi Leonard stick to his words?

Following the Game 2 loss, Leonard had an important message to his teammates and to himself. While the fans expected the team to seal Game 2 with his return, they succumbed to a 96-93 loss. Speaking of the game, the former MVP said, “This is my first game in 20-something days. I don’t know; I’m not measuring it. We’ve gotta be better as a unit overall; that starts with me.” 

The star definitely didn’t do what he promised, but Tyronn Lue still seemed to trust the star. Following tonight’s game, when the reporters asked for the reduced minutes for Kawhi, Lue backed the star. He reasoned that the team tried to manage the star’s knee injury. Moreover, he confirmed that Leonard will play Game 4. 

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Lue had a similar trust in Leonard after the Game 2 loss, as he said, “I thought he did a good job… He didn’t tryna force anything,” appreciating his defense for covering up the loss on the offensive end. Will Leonard put in a decent performance in Game 4? Let us know in the comments.