The LA Clippers won’t have superstar Kawhi Leonard available for their Game 5 showdown against the Phoenix Suns.
We have bad news for all you LA Clippers fans who were holding out a little hope that Kawhi Leonard would be available for the Game 5 tilt against the Phoenix Suns: It’s not going to end up happening.
Leonard didn’t join his teammates in traveling to Phoenix, as he’ll stay back in Los Angeles and rehab his injured knee. With this, it will be on Paul George and the rest of the team to try and keep their season alive in the must-win showdown Monday night.
Kawhi Leonard didn’t travel to Phoenix for Game 5 against the Suns
While Leonard’s availability was in serious doubt, there’s now no chance of him suiting up. It goes without saying, but this is a monster blow for the Clippers. Without Leonard, this is a completely different team, which has been made clear in the series with Phoenix.
The Suns are indeed currently up 3-1 and are one win away from getting to the NBA Finals. Devin Booker has been electric this postseason, while the return of Chris Paul has been massive for the team as well. With Leonard out, things are going to be even more difficult for the Clippers.
When healthy, Leonard is without question one of the best players in the NBA. Not only is he fantastic on the offensive end, but he’s a standout defender too. It’s what makes him so dangerous whenever he’s on the hardwood.
Unfortunately, he suffered his knee injury and it’s held him out of the lineup. Come Monday night, he’ll be out of action, so George will undoubtedly have to try and record an unforgettable performance to try and keep the team alive.