Kawhi Leonard had a rough game against the Denver Nuggets in game two of their Playoffs matchup. Kawhi has been the most reliable source for points for the Clippers throughout this playoff run, but the well ran dry tonight. He scored just 13 points on poor shooting efficiency. At least he still had his defense with him, getting three steals in the game.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Kawhi was guarding the Nuggets’ most potent offensive threat Jamal Murray through the end of the game. Murray had a hard time in the second half, especially when Kawhi was on him. However, Murray got the biggest moment of their matchup.
With two minutes left in the game and the Clippers surging back into the game after getting blown out in the first quarter, Kawhi looked to keep Murray locked down. He did a great job; however, Murray did a better one.
Jamal was having trouble finding a driving lane due to Kawhi’s tight defense. Instead of moving forward, he faked his movement and sent Kawhi off him. With the little space he created, he stepped-back to three-point range and delivered a dagger three. The Nuggets won the game 110-101.
JAMAL MURRAY GOT KAWHI 🤮 pic.twitter.com/k3fm9PF8QB
— Overtime (@overtime) September 6, 2020
Kawhi Leonard struggles- Is it a bad omen for Clippers?
While the Clippers are the deepest team in the league, outings like this are worrying. The team did get their contributions from across the floor but lacked a leader in the absence of Kawhi. Paul George had to take the lead, but still just managed 22 points on under 40% efficiency.
Clearly, the Clippers need Kawhi to perform at the same consistent rate other superstars across the league are expected to perform. The depth helps them kill games late, not make surges after being down the entire game. The Clippers didn’t lead for a single possession of this game, such was the blowout.
A reaffirming sign for the Clippers has to be how they fought back, though. As Kawhi started clamping the Nuggets up, other players started finding an offensive groove. They trailed by 23 points at a point in the game but lost by just 9. However, this is playoff basketball and you cannot afford to lose even one.
