Kawhi Leonard commented about his knee during an interview with the Dallas media after Game 3, a 101-90 win in which the Mavericks took a 2-1 series lead. “After the first game, we didn't get the reaction we wanted, but we're going to do right by it,” Leonard told the media. He also said he was only scheduled to play limited minutes Friday night, but that appears to have been the case as he finished in 25 minutes.
Leonard suffered knee inflammation in the final weeks of the season, missed Game 1 of the series won by the Clippers, and also received an injection in his knee in early April. He has played in each of the last two games, both of which the Mavs won, but he has struggled from the floor, averaging 24 points on 11-of-28 shooting from the floor. He was listed as questionable heading into those games as well.
Luka Doncic played particularly strong defense against Leonard, often forcing him into tough shots. As he watched the games, it was clear that Leonard didn't have the explosiveness or leg strength he was used to seeing. Leonard's condition will likely be closely watched as the team quickly prepares for the next game.
Game 3 will be played Sunday at 2:30pm CST at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Read more: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving lead Dallas Mavericks to 2-1 series lead over Clippers
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