USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is tended to after an injury during a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is tended to after an injury during a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The NBA is a fast-paced and vigorous league with a lot happening in one small frame. Also, a live game squeezes more of its flavor from the witty and artsy commentary that drives with the game’s pace. The LA Clippers vs Boston Celtics game became witness to one such comic commentary moment.
Kawhi Leonard was at the helm of the incident that provoked the NBA commentators to enjoy a light moment during a very tense game. What exactly happened?
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is defended by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
When the commentators punished an injured Kawhi Leonard
At one point, the score was 102-99 with the Celtics leading and over five minutes remaining on the clock. That’s when Celtics’ Semi Ojeleye mistakenly poked the eyes of Kawhi Leonard while guarding him.
It was a hard poke and that caught The Claw totally off-guard. As Semi made this personal foul, Carsen Edwards replaced him and Terrance Mann came in for Kawhi.
But something funny happened while The Claw was taking his treatment by the courtside. The commentary box, led by former NBA Champion (2016) Richard Jefferson had the following conversation ongoing, “Is that an eye poke? Oh yeah! There’s no flopping there. Oh, and when you see the finger get caught too, that was real… It looks like they’re flying some kind of eye drops. That’s a weird applicator right, even robots need an oil change.”
Kawhi’s laughter is world famous and so is his robotic demeanor. Perhaps, that was the foundation for that joke.
The Clippers’ Claw, the injuries, and the performance
With 9 seconds remaining, Lou Williams’ three-pointer made it a 2-point game, but Kawhi’s 28-point double-double effort still went in vain. Also, he failed to convert even one deep-range shot out of his five attempts.
However, overall, Kawhi has looked very strong this season, averaging 26.3 points in 20 games despite scary injuries. Just a month ago, his teammate Serge Ibaka had mistakenly elbowed his jaw and left him lying on the floor around a pool of blood (in NBA standards because it was normal for UFC). That required eight stitches, days of rest, and a funny face mask to heal.
Anyway, all that becomes worthy when Clippers are comfortable in the Top Three of the WC and tough competition for any team. May the bravest of all win the conference, amen!
Read Also – Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Reveals He Idolized Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Since Middle School
