Los Angeles Clippers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as All-Star Kawhi Leonard is set to make his return for Tuesday’s playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks. Head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard’s availability to reporters, stating that the forward has passed all necessary medical checks and is ready to hit the court.
Leonard had been sidelined for the last eight games of the regular season and missed Game 1 against the Mavericks due to knee inflammation. However, after participating in shootaround on Tuesday morning, the Clippers decided to give him the green light for Game 2.
In Leonard’s absence, the Clippers managed to secure a convincing 109-97 victory in Game 1, with James Harden leading the charge with a 28-point performance. The team’s strong defensive effort limited the Mavericks to just 30 points on 22.5% shooting in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
With Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers are undoubtedly a stronger team. The six-time All-Star has been a force on both ends of the court, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season. His return will provide a significant boost to the team as they look to take control of the series against the Mavericks.