Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Out vs. Timberwolves with Back Spasms; Left Arena amid Injury
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to back spasms, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
Leonard generated concern among fans after he returned to the locker room after playing just 12 minutes—notching six points, two rebounds and two assists—and missing the entire second quarter before exiting the arena entirely.
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Kawhi left the Clippers game after missing the entire 2Q pic.twitter.com/rPErsubqN6
Leonard entered Tuesday’s game averaging 24.0 points on 52.3 percent shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists for a 41-22 Clippers team currently fourth in the Western Conference.
The 32-year-old suffered a left adductor strain that forced him to miss his team’s road game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
More recently, Leonard was held out of Sunday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks due to left groin soreness.
Naturally, losing Leonard for any amount of time is a tough loss for the Clips. The Claw is a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA player and two-time NBA Finals MVP.
He’s unfortunately suffered a host of injuries over the years, to the point where he’s only played 278 games since the beginning of the 2017-18 campaign. Leonard notably suffered a partial tear of the ACL in his right knee that forced him to miss all of 2021-22.
Thankfully, Leonard has enjoyed better health in 2023-24, playing 57 of his team’s first 63 games. The team’s success has followed suit, to the point where the Clips rolled off a 26-5 stretch at one point.
Obviously, the team needs Leonard healthy to have a legitimate chance at the championship. Without him, the onus falls more on Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook to carry the offense. Look for Terance Mann and Amir Coffey to absorb more minutes as well.
