LOS ANGELES — A torn ACL recovery can take up to two years. Kawhi Leonard The player returned to court and started the first game of the season. LA Clippers On Thursday.
Leonard was on the court for 24 minutes and scored six points. He also grabbed five rebounds, and gave four assists to help the Clippers win a ghastly 96-91 defeat. Detroit Pistons Crypto.com Arena
Leonard did not elaborate on the reasons he was unable to play in 12 consecutive games, despite having played in the Clippers’ first three games.
Leonard described the struggles he was experiencing since Oct. 25, when he felt stiffness in his right knee. “I won’t explain it because I am not a doctor and nobody in this room is one. Now, just get back and get ready to go.
Leonard began the first 5 minutes and 47 seconds of the quarter while keeping his minutes under control. He played another 5:46 minutes in the second quarter, and 5:56 for the third. Leonard played seven more minutes in the fourth quarter before he had to leave with only 2:43 remaining.
Leonard is thrilled to be back with the Clippers but it is difficult to adapt to him back in the mix.
Leonard reiterated that he will need to be patient in his recovery from the torn ACL right against Utah in Game 4 on June 14, 2021.
Leonard stated, “Like I have said before, it’s going be a long road.” ACL recovery takes more than one year. It’s what everyone thinks, but it takes two years. So I know that and I will keep going.
The Clippers were up 88 to 81 when Leonard left the game. They had trailed the Pistons by 12.
Leonard was only 2-for-8 from the field, and his streak of scoring in double figures ended at 177 regular-season games. This is the third-longest active streak for the NBA. LeBron James (1,106) Luka Doncic (180), according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Leonard scored in double figures the last time he failed to do so against the Clippers on Dec. 18, 2017.
Leonard was still a major influence — he was a plus 26 on the floor.
“I just try reminding him that it’s Kawhi Leonard,” said the point guard. Reggie JacksonHe had 23 points. “That he’s special. He’s one the most talented players of his game and we have the greatest confidence in him, no matter the result. We trusted him regardless of his stats. I don’t care what he does. I don’t care if it’s turned over. He is who and what he is for certain reasons, and we’re going to ride with him in fourth.”
Leonard was originally listed as out, but his status was changed to questionable during Thursday’s shootaround. He was then declared fit to play prior to tipoff.
Leonard felt stiffness in the right knee after he had been in two of the three first games of the season. He was also on the bench in one of those games. Leonard suffered stiffness during a morning shootaround prior to a game at Oklahoma City, Oct. 25.
Coach Tyronn Lou said that he wanted Leonard to start because he didn’t like the idea of having Leonard come off the bench in the middle of the second quarter. It was not something he liked like the Clippers doing with Leonard in their first two games. This was done to give Leonard enough time to play and not make him wait too much between plays.
Leonard stated that he preferred to be on the bench or start after playing those first two games. “T-Lue wanted to me start the games and get us moving in a rhythm. Before I sat out, [12 straight games] I knew I was going to be starting.”
The Clippers now wait to see how Leonard reacts to his first action in almost a full month.
Leonard stated that he has reached the end of his 12-game wait. Everyone thinks it is a one year process but we don’t know. We will see what happens if we continue to move forward.”