Kawhi Leonard sidelined with knee problem as Clippers secure victory over Mavericks to tie series

Los Angeles Clippers fans were left disappointed as star forward Kawhi Leonard was ruled out of Sunday’s Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks due to right knee inflammation, with no clear timeline for his return. Despite Leonard’s absence, the Clippers managed to secure a crucial 116-111 victory to tie the series.

Leonard, who had missed nine consecutive games before returning for Games 2 and 3 of the series, struggled in his last outing, scoring just nine points on seven shots. Team president Lawrence Frank acknowledged that Leonard did not look like himself on the court and described the injury as “tricky.”

The Clippers managed to pull off the win without Leonard, thanks to standout performances from James Harden and Paul George, who each scored 33 points in Game 4. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to Leonard’s absence, emphasizing the need to stick to their game plan.

Leonard’s injury comes as a blow to the Clippers, who had relied on his scoring and defensive prowess throughout the season. Despite playing 68 regular-season games, the two-time NBA champion has been plagued by knee issues, missing the entire 2021-22 season due to injury.

As the Clippers navigate Leonard’s absence, they remain focused on the task at hand and are determined to overcome the challenges ahead. With Leonard’s health uncertain, the team will need to rely on their depth and resilience to advance in the playoffs.