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“And Here We Go Again”: Hours After Stephen A. Smith’s ‘Worst Player’ Claim, Latest Kawhi Leonard Update Leaves NBA World in Chaos

Published 04/21/2023, 11:47 PM EDT

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Following a disappointing loss in game 3, the Los Angeles Clippers‘ only fear ahead of game 4 has come true. Missing a crucial win by a few points late in the fourth quarter, Clippers’ fans ached for their main star Kawhi Leonard who was out due to a sore knee. Even after a 40-point masterpiece from Norman Powell, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns made sure he took advantage of the Clippers’ dearth. 

Seems like things are set to repeat for the Clippers in their upcoming game at Crypto.com arena as the fans will not be seeing any changes in the team. Hours after harsh claims from Stephen. A. Smith, another disappointing Kawhi Leonard news has left the fans in denial.

The Clippers will miss both of their main stars for game 4

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Already exasperated due to Paul George’s absence, Clippers’ fans were in turmoil when Leonard was suddenly ruled out for game 3. With 69 points in the first two games, Leonard was doing it all, although Booker’s offensive excellence tied the series in game 2. Following Leonard’s injury, Russell Westbrook and Powell stood up in game 3, however, couldn’t reach the ultimate goal. 

USA Today via Reuters

Showing his frustration, just like the fans, Stephen. A. Smith shared a few harsh words for the 31-year-old. Smith mentioned in the show, “Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen.” A few hours after Smith’s “unreliable” claims, the Clippers might have proved his point with more breaking news.

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The Clippers announced the 5-time All-Star will not participate in game 4 again due to his knee soreness. Already under the pressure to tie the series, this loss for the LA unit might cost them the series and their first title hopes. Teammate Russell Westbrook who believes Leonard “was playing his best basketball” had nothing but pity for the champion.

 

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However, fans are not as sympathetic.

Fans’ disappointment leads to frustration as they throw shade at Kawhi Leonard

All odds are currently favorable for the Suns, as they have a record of 10-1 while KD is on the team. Moreover, with Leonard’s injury, one loss might seal the series for the Suns. Fans who were expecting a potential 6-game or 7-game series now believe things will end sooner. Seems like the game 3 upset has led to frustration for the Clippers’ fans.

Here are some of the fans’ reactions to the breaking Kawhi Leonard news: 

Even though Clippers had a a great shot this season with things going their way in the playoffs, the sudden injury has led to huge upset for the fans.

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Do you think Westbrook and Powell can even the series without Leonard? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch this story: “Challenging Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Damian Lillard and more to spit a verse, Shaquille O’Neal spices up his recovery”

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam

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Rohan Dharmalingam is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for a decade now and specializes in covering trade rumors and reports on the ever-changing trade market. The wizardry of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry made him fall in love with the game like millions worldwide.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor