Kawhi Leonard returned to the Clippers’ lineup successfully on Thursday, contributing 25 minutes in their 96-91 win.
LOS ANGELES — After appearing in his first NBA game since rehabbing his right knee for the previous 3 1/2 weeks, LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard predicted “it will be a long journey” before he fully heals from a right ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season.
“It’s a two-year process. Everybody thinks it’s a one-year process,” Leonard said following the Clippers’ 96-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. “We don’t know. We’ll see what happens once we keep moving forward.”
He had been listed as questionable earlier in the day.
What is the significance of Kawhi Leonard’s comeback to the Clippers’ first team?
Leonard, as a starter, accumulated six points (2-for-8 shooting, 0-for-3 on 3-pointers), five rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes. Even though Leonard’s shooting statistics were not impressive, Tyronn Lue, the Clippers coach, commended him for his agility, defense, and a plus-26 rating which reflected the team’s triumph when he was playing.
“Lue observed that he appeared to be in good physical condition, particularly in terms of his mobility. He emphasized the significant defensive role he plays for the team, noting that their dynamics change when he’s playing. Lue added that having him in control of the ball brings a certain tranquility to the team.”
Leonard started after coming off the bench in two of the Clippers’ first three games in an attempt to preserve his workload and ensure crunch-time minutes. The 11-year veteran averaged 12.5 points (44.4 FG%) and 6.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game, and then missed 12 consecutive games because of stiffness in his right knee.
However, Lue has since decided not to pursue that approach.
“Lue commented, “That was excessively unpleasant. I didn’t appreciate it. You have the top player [on the bench].”
Leonard initially participated in 5-on-5 drills on November 11. Following that, Lue confirmed that Leonard had engaged in additional 5-on-5 sessions “a couple of times.” Leonard was also part of the Clippers’ recent two-game journey in Houston and Dallas. After the Clippers promoted Leonard after Thursday’s morning shootaround, Lue decided to play him against Detroit with the aim of enhancing Leonard’s rhythm and team synergy.
CLIPPERS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/Cj5hMRnch5
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 18, 2022
The Clippers (9-7) anticipate Leonard will play against the San Antonio Spurs (6-10) on Saturday (10:30 ET, NBA League Pass). But after that?
“Lue expressed his uncertainty, stating, “I truly don’t know. This is something we’ll have to take game-by-game and day-by-day, ensuring he’s feeling good. We’re relying heavily on our medical staff for this one, and we’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds. The most crucial factor is how he feels. There are no specific boxes he has to check.”
Through all the uncertainty, Leonard has found stability.
KAWHI. pic.twitter.com/5LOHxMNJIo
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 18, 2022
“Being able to get in the game and play is the easy part now,” said Leonard. “However, the previous season was quite extensive, as I was focusing on strengthening my knee and overall body. The realization that I wouldn’t be able to step on the court was quite draining. Nonetheless, I persevered to reach where I am today. The journey is still long, but I must continue to fight.”
* * *
Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery.
