LOS ANGELES — In the week leading up to Sunday's Game 1, Kawhi Leonard's injury status was the biggest topic surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers heading into their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Leonard was in doubt for the game against the Mavericks due to inflammation in his right knee, but he was postponed to Game 1. It was the same injury that caused him to miss the final eight games of the season.
December 20, 2023. Dallas, Texas, USA.Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball as Dallas
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
There were legitimate questions about whether Leonard would be able to return to action for the postseason opener, as he did not participate in any practice prior to Sunday.
“It's a tough situation for him, but he's getting better. He's making progress,” Lue said. “He's been on the court the last few days. We'll see. But, understandably, he's frustrated considering the work he's done this year.”
“It's tough for him to play as many games as he did, do what he did this year, and now miss Game 1 of the playoffs, but we got him back 100 percent,” Lue said. continued. “I'm ready.”
It remains to be seen when Leonard will reach the stage of the return-to-play process and make contact in practice. Los Angeles emphasized how the team is taking Leonard's recovery process “day by day.”
“We're not there yet,” Lu said.
The Mavericks prepared for either possibility, given the seemingly diminished chances of Leonard playing.
“I think we were preparing him to play up until recently when he was ruled out,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We also prepared in case he was out. So we prepared on both sides in case he played.”
Despite having to start Amir Coffey in place of Leonard in Game 1, the Clippers remain confident in their prospects to compete. The acquisition of James Harden early in the season will greatly impact the situation as it will allow him to take on more responsibility as the focal point of the offense. Without Leonard.
“This is huge for us. In the past we've struggled with Kawhi winning games off the court,” Lue said. “Getting James really helped us, but if you look at the last eight games, we couldn't finish the last three games because guys didn't play.”
Leonard played in 68 regular season games, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He shot 52.5% from the floor, 41.7% from beyond the arc and 88.5% from the free throw line. It was his first season in which he played more than 60 games as a member of the Clippers.
