Apr 16, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns
(New York, NY) — Having a bad week? Remember, it always could be worse. You could be the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
There were growing concerns the injury was serious after Leonard missed the final three games of the series, and now the devastating news is out.
“It’s not load management where he’s taking time off. He’s shown in the past that he’s played through injuries in the playoffs. If it’s something he can’t play through, then it has to be pretty serious,” Clippers HC Tyronn Lue said prior to game 4. “We’re not talking about he’s sitting out because of load management or he’s tired. It’s nothing like that. It’s an actual thing.”
Kawhi’s injury was discovered prior to Game 3. He was off to a blistering start to the series, averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 2.0 steals before being shut down by the medical staff.
Kawhi will go into yet another offseason injured, and one has to wonder how much longer the Clippers can keep trying with a duo of Kawhi and Paul George who seem to have some of the worst injury luck over the past few seasons.
Leonard’s right knee has given him problems multiple times over his career. In 2021, he missed the season after tearing his ACL in that same knee.
