OKLAHOMA CITY Kawhi Leonard His right knee was stiff after surgery. He will not be seeing it again. LA ClippersThis week, ‘two games against Oklahoma City
Leonard was not able to play in Tuesday’s Thunder match and will miss Thursday night’s Oklahoma City second game. Ty Lue, Clippers coach, said Leonard has not experienced any setbacks with his right ACL. The team is still very cautious about its star franchise player.
Leonard will return to Los Angeles Wednesday for treatment of his knee. Before determining Leonard’s status for Sunday against New Orleans, the Clippers will assess Leonard’s condition.
Lue explained that Lue felt stiffness in his right knee after the shootaround. This was before the Clippers took on the Thunder. We want to be careful and do the right thing for him even though he wants to play. We thought it was stupid. He can get mad at us if that’s what he wants, but we are not smart enough right now.”
On Tuesday, the Clippers were shorthanded. Paul George (non COVID-19-related illness) Marcus Morris Sr. (personal reasons) The team was not present.
Leonard was involved in two of the Clippers first three games, starting Tuesday. He logged 21 minutes each game. To be able finish each game, he was on the bench and served three stints. Leonard missed the first Clippers game in Sacramento last weekend when they were playing back-toback.
The Clippers’ two time NBA Finals MVP, said it would take some time before his form is restored and that he wouldn’t be back in the starting line up until his minutes averaged around 34-35 per game.
Leonard still felt great until Tuesday morning’s shootaround when he began to feel stiff in his knees. Lue confirmed that Leonard has not been scheduled for any medical examinations or tests in Los Angeles.
Lue stated, “Send him back to L.A. as he has better resources there for his rehabilitation.” “And then see what happens.”
Lue explained that the stiffness is part and parcel of ACL surgery. It’s common for things to become stiff so we need to be aware of it.