DALLAS — Kawhi Leonard's possibility of missing Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks remains uncertain after the Los Angeles Clippers announced he is listed as questionable due to lingering knee inflammation. There is.
Leonard has been suffering from the condition since it returned 35 minutes into his return in Game 2. Despite playing 25 minutes in Friday's Game 3, which the Clippers lost 101-90 on a one-minute restriction, Leonard said his knee wasn't responding well.
“We had too many turnovers,” Leonard said. We have to limit it,” he said.
April 26, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA. LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball over Dallas.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
On his knee, Leonard expressed confidence that he and the Clippers would figure this out, but admitted he didn't respond as physically as everyone involved had hoped. He also wasn't playing at his usual level, posting nine points, nine rebounds and two assists with four turnovers, taking just seven shots.
“After the first game, we didn't get the reaction we wanted,” Leonard said. “But you know, we're going to do it right. Time will tell, but we're doing everything right.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue shared his approach to managing Leonard's condition, detailing how they are working extensively to ensure Leonard is ready to play. Either way, given his current status, it's doubtful he'll be available for Game 4.
“He is still battling inflammation and swelling. We are monitoring his progress,” Lu said. “He was treated last night. He was treated this morning. He will continue to be treated tonight. As of right now, it's doubtful he'll play in Game 4. I think he'll just do the right thing. I'm talking to the medical staff. I'll just talk to him and see how he feels and go from there.”
Meanwhile, the Mavericks face a challenge with Luka Doncic also listed as questionable with a sore right knee. But after Saturday's practice, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd dismissed concerns about Doncic's condition, saying he was in “good condition.”
Lue emphasized that the Clippers will continue to limit Leonard's playing time in order to do what's best for him as he recovers. They don't want to risk further concerns by speeding up his minutes.
“It's undecided,” Lu said. “That's always going to be a limitation. Until he's 100 percent, we're always going to make sure we do right by him.”
As both teams prepare for Game 4, the status of these key players will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the series.
