As the Los Angeles Clippers continue their dominance in the West, they currently fight for the home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Clippers (4th seed) are separated 5 games from the top spot in the West, all while being closely followed by the New Orleans Pelicans. With that, as Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers on their post-season quest, the 32-year-old wing suffered a setback in the middle of a takeover.

Kawhi was on a roll in the third stretch, having 15 points with a little over 2 minutes left. As Kawhi came on top of the arc off a screen by Daniel Theis, Scoot Henderson locked elbows with Leonard. The brief instance triggered a tweak in his left wrist, forcing him to grimace in pain as he attempted to walk it off on the floor.

The referees noticed the sly play by Henderson, charging him for a foul. Kawhi maintained his eligibility for the game, sinking both the free throws. He was immediately subbed out of the game on the next play.

While Kawhi exited the hardwood, he did not seek medical attention on his wrist. Moreover, he continued to flex his wrist while sitting on the bench with the squad. Luckily, given the monumental 25-point advantage upon Kawhi’s sidelining, the Clippers didn’t need Leonard’s services in the remaining game.

With that, and Kawhi little to no concern on his wrist, fans can expect a similar burst from Kawhi Leonard in the next game, as the Clippers will once again battle the Blazers.

Kawhi Leonard’s most games responsible for the Clippers’ surge?

For the first time in the last 4 years, the Clippers are living upto the expectations. However, while many believe James Harden to be the key factor for the change, Kawhi Leonard might have a slightly bigger role.

One of the reasons behind Clippers constant disappointing season runs was Leonard’s injuries. However, despite facing multiple such instances in the present season, Leonard has officially marked the most games played in a season within the last 6 years (61). Despite having Paul George by his side, Leonard maintains himself as the prime 2-way player on the roster. Moreover, he also climbed the MVP ranks after posting near 30 points per game during December.

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Russell Westbrook Return: Kawhi Leonard Joins Clipper Nation In Awaiting Triple-Double King’s Come Back

However, Kawhi’s growth comes from utilizing pieces on the improved roster. Usually, having multiple stars on the roster culminates into major sacrifices. But Leonard maintains a similar generation to his previous season, posting 23.8 points, 6 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Moreover, with ample of help of offense, he has switched up his efforts on the other side of the court, adding to his overall steals and making things tough for opponents under the rim.