Kawhi Leonard on knee: 'Just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game'
Tim MacMahon: Kawhi Leonard said his right knee “just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game, but we’re going to get it right.” The plan was for him to play limited minutes tonight.
Source: Twitter @espn_macmahon
Source: Twitter @espn_macmahon
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Clippers Kawhi Leonard admits knee ‘didn’t respond’ well after Game 2; ‘time will tell’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 1:08 AM
Clippers Kawhi Leonard admits knee ‘didn’t respond’ well after Game 2; ‘time will tell’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 1:08 AM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Kawhi and PG combined to score the same amount as Andrew Nembhard tonight lmao – 12:41 AM
Kawhi and PG combined to score the same amount as Andrew Nembhard tonight lmao – 12:41 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George part II, on Clippers getting out of character with turnovers and feeling for Kawhi Leonard trying to play when he’s not 100 percent pic.twitter.com/lt8FxYwinQ – 12:23 AM
Paul George part II, on Clippers getting out of character with turnovers and feeling for Kawhi Leonard trying to play when he’s not 100 percent pic.twitter.com/lt8FxYwinQ – 12:23 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard postgame, Part II
Discussed the Dallas centers having so much more success on lobs and putbacks, what he’s able to do physically.
I also asked Kawhi about Paul George’s foul trouble pic.twitter.com/SZLpqwAm8N – 12:13 AM
Kawhi Leonard postgame, Part II
Discussed the Dallas centers having so much more success on lobs and putbacks, what he’s able to do physically.
I also asked Kawhi about Paul George’s foul trouble pic.twitter.com/SZLpqwAm8N – 12:13 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard postgame, Part I
Discussed Clippers having too many turnovers, his recovery from knee inflammation, his desire to play, the 2nd quarter pic.twitter.com/hZT0BZ65oX – 12:10 AM
Kawhi Leonard postgame, Part I
Discussed Clippers having too many turnovers, his recovery from knee inflammation, his desire to play, the 2nd quarter pic.twitter.com/hZT0BZ65oX – 12:10 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Paul and Kawhi are done speaking.
Clippers are gonna have to help James Sunday after all those minutes.
Kawhi? Don’t know how much he can help and he hasn’t played an afternoon game since the 76ers beatdown
Russ? We’ll see what league says if anything
Big PG game coming. – 11:39 PM
Paul and Kawhi are done speaking.
Clippers are gonna have to help James Sunday after all those minutes.
Kawhi? Don’t know how much he can help and he hasn’t played an afternoon game since the 76ers beatdown
Russ? We’ll see what league says if anything
Big PG game coming. – 11:39 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kawhi Leonard at the end of this clip says the reason he only played 25 minutes is his knee didn’t respond the way he hoped after Game 1. “We’re going to get it right,” he said, not sounding terribly confident. pic.twitter.com/F8pzq8ywvd – 11:27 PM
Kawhi Leonard at the end of this clip says the reason he only played 25 minutes is his knee didn’t respond the way he hoped after Game 1. “We’re going to get it right,” he said, not sounding terribly confident. pic.twitter.com/F8pzq8ywvd – 11:27 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kawhi Leonard at the end of this clip says the reason he only played 25 minutes is his knee didn’t respond the way he hoped after Game 1. pic.twitter.com/DW2xET9756 – 11:27 PM
Kawhi Leonard at the end of this clip says the reason he only played 25 minutes is his knee didn’t respond the way he hoped after Game 1. pic.twitter.com/DW2xET9756 – 11:27 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard says knee didn’t respond way he wanted it to after Game 1 and it had to be managed tonight. He says he wanted to play even if it meant limited minutes. He expects to play Game 4 but also has to see how his knee feels tomorrow. He says he wants to help his team. – 11:26 PM
Kawhi Leonard says knee didn’t respond way he wanted it to after Game 1 and it had to be managed tonight. He says he wanted to play even if it meant limited minutes. He expects to play Game 4 but also has to see how his knee feels tomorrow. He says he wants to help his team. – 11:26 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi: “I wanted to be on the floor to help the team… frustrated that this happened to me this late in the season”
He expects to play Game 4: “I want to play.” – 11:24 PM
Kawhi: “I wanted to be on the floor to help the team… frustrated that this happened to me this late in the season”
He expects to play Game 4: “I want to play.” – 11:24 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Kawhi Leonard on his knee inflammation: “Just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game, but we’re gonna get it right.
“… I want to play, so.” – 11:24 PM
Kawhi Leonard on his knee inflammation: “Just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game, but we’re gonna get it right.
“… I want to play, so.” – 11:24 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Kawhi Leonard said his right knee “just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game, but we’re going to get it right.” The plan was for him to play limited minutes tonight. – 11:24 PM
Kawhi Leonard said his right knee “just didn’t respond the way we wanted it to after the first game, but we’re going to get it right.” The plan was for him to play limited minutes tonight. – 11:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi says knee did not respond the way “we wanted after first game”. But he is confident it will come around. – 11:24 PM
Kawhi says knee did not respond the way “we wanted after first game”. But he is confident it will come around. – 11:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi sits down and immediately responds to first question about the game by bringing up turnovers and second chance points pic.twitter.com/P5BlL6YEGd – 11:23 PM
Kawhi sits down and immediately responds to first question about the game by bringing up turnovers and second chance points pic.twitter.com/P5BlL6YEGd – 11:23 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
T. Lue just ended. Made it clear that he believes that Kawhi Leonard is simply finding his rhythm
We’ll see what Kawhi says. – 11:13 PM
T. Lue just ended. Made it clear that he believes that Kawhi Leonard is simply finding his rhythm
We’ll see what Kawhi says. – 11:13 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ty Lue said the team was managing Kawhi Leonard’s minutes. Lue said Clippers are trying to be smart with inflammation in his knee. Asked if the inflammation has popped up against Lue said that’s something to ask Leonard. Asked if Leonard will be available for Game 4, Lue said yes – 11:10 PM
Ty Lue said the team was managing Kawhi Leonard’s minutes. Lue said Clippers are trying to be smart with inflammation in his knee. Asked if the inflammation has popped up against Lue said that’s something to ask Leonard. Asked if Leonard will be available for Game 4, Lue said yes – 11:10 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue says that Kawhi Leonard is expected to play Sunday in Game 4 after playing just over 25 minutes tonight. – 11:09 PM
Tyronn Lue says that Kawhi Leonard is expected to play Sunday in Game 4 after playing just over 25 minutes tonight. – 11:09 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
If Kawhi Leonard doesn’t have a significantly better range of movement by Sunday, I truly hope the Clippers sit him. He was clearly not right today – 11:07 PM
If Kawhi Leonard doesn’t have a significantly better range of movement by Sunday, I truly hope the Clippers sit him. He was clearly not right today – 11:07 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
PG13, Kawhi and Russ tonight:
8 fouls (+2 technicals)
7 turnovers
7 buckets pic.twitter.com/3CtDyuvD3D – 10:44 PM
PG13, Kawhi and Russ tonight:
8 fouls (+2 technicals)
7 turnovers
7 buckets pic.twitter.com/3CtDyuvD3D – 10:44 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard went to the bench with 4:09 left in the game. Considering score, his night likely done. – 10:39 PM
Kawhi Leonard went to the bench with 4:09 left in the game. Considering score, his night likely done. – 10:39 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Hadn’t really considered a scenario where Kawhi plays but is like a poor man’s Xavier Moon. – 10:39 PM
Hadn’t really considered a scenario where Kawhi plays but is like a poor man’s Xavier Moon. – 10:39 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kyrie Irving baseline middy forces a Clippers timeout
94-79 Dallas lead with 4:09 left to play
Neither Kawhi or PG are in double figures
PG staying in
Kawhi is on bench – 10:38 PM
Kyrie Irving baseline middy forces a Clippers timeout
94-79 Dallas lead with 4:09 left to play
Neither Kawhi or PG are in double figures
PG staying in
Kawhi is on bench – 10:38 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
It’s crunchtime, Kawhi is guarding off-ball threats and he can’t drive past anybody. Jarring to watch. AK – 10:36 PM
It’s crunchtime, Kawhi is guarding off-ball threats and he can’t drive past anybody. Jarring to watch. AK – 10:36 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
The best use of this remaining time is for the Clippers to give Kawhi a bunch of possessions to try to find himself – 10:34 PM
The best use of this remaining time is for the Clippers to give Kawhi a bunch of possessions to try to find himself – 10:34 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard drills a mid-range shot, probably his best-looking jumper of the night. – 10:27 PM
Kawhi Leonard drills a mid-range shot, probably his best-looking jumper of the night. – 10:27 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Clippers have 17 turnovers, 4 by Kawhi Leonard and 4 by James Harden. – 10:24 PM
Clippers have 17 turnovers, 4 by Kawhi Leonard and 4 by James Harden. – 10:24 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t looked like himself in the fourth. He turned the ball over while being doubled and then when he put the ball on the floor in transition, turned it over. Kawhi has four turnovers so far. – 10:24 PM
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t looked like himself in the fourth. He turned the ball over while being doubled and then when he put the ball on the floor in transition, turned it over. Kawhi has four turnovers so far. – 10:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Game 4 starts in 29 hours
Dallas is up 88-70 with 8:36 left to play
Kawhi Leonard has 4 turnovers and 3 baskets in 20:05
Paul George has 5 fouls and is 3/10 FGs in 24:33
This is not the time for a fake comeback if you’re the Clippers. But we’ll have to see how this goes. – 10:24 PM
Game 4 starts in 29 hours
Dallas is up 88-70 with 8:36 left to play
Kawhi Leonard has 4 turnovers and 3 baskets in 20:05
Paul George has 5 fouls and is 3/10 FGs in 24:33
This is not the time for a fake comeback if you’re the Clippers. But we’ll have to see how this goes. – 10:24 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
This Kawhi thing is crazy. He’s killing them. Clearly not healthy. I’m so confused by this! – 10:23 PM
This Kawhi thing is crazy. He’s killing them. Clearly not healthy. I’m so confused by this! – 10:23 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi has as many turnovers as buckets
PG has more fouls than buckets – 10:21 PM
Kawhi has as many turnovers as buckets
PG has more fouls than buckets – 10:21 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Clippers have a total of 15 points combined out of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. Yet thanks to James Harden, Ivica Zubac and Norm Powell, Clippers still within 11 as the fourth quarter starts. – 10:11 PM
Clippers have a total of 15 points combined out of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. Yet thanks to James Harden, Ivica Zubac and Norm Powell, Clippers still within 11 as the fourth quarter starts. – 10:11 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers were only able to take two points off of Dallas halftime lead
Dallas up 78-67 entering final quarter of play
Turnovers have been a big differential in this game. Mavericks have only 7, Clippers have 13
Kawhi at 17 minutes, ensuring he will come under Game 1 total – 10:11 PM
Clippers were only able to take two points off of Dallas halftime lead
Dallas up 78-67 entering final quarter of play
Turnovers have been a big differential in this game. Mavericks have only 7, Clippers have 13
Kawhi at 17 minutes, ensuring he will come under Game 1 total – 10:11 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
I understand why there, but really don’t like whenever LAC goes small with Kawhi and PG on the bench. – 10:09 PM
I understand why there, but really don’t like whenever LAC goes small with Kawhi and PG on the bench. – 10:09 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Russ back in for Kawhi.
Like Game 2, 3rd quarter was much better for Kawhi than entire 1st half of Game 3
But rough scene when you have to lower standards to this degree for Kawhi Leonard. – 9:57 PM
Russ back in for Kawhi.
Like Game 2, 3rd quarter was much better for Kawhi than entire 1st half of Game 3
But rough scene when you have to lower standards to this degree for Kawhi Leonard. – 9:57 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Up til that dunk Kawhi Leonard was looking more like Eric Kawhiatkowski … just hanging out as weak side decoy and kinda getting cooked on D. – 9:57 PM
Up til that dunk Kawhi Leonard was looking more like Eric Kawhiatkowski … just hanging out as weak side decoy and kinda getting cooked on D. – 9:57 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George throwing that lob on the fast break was … not what *EYE* would do to a Kawhi Leonard dealing with the knee… but Kawhi finished it and hung on the rim extremely long so he could stick the landing
Helped that Jason Kidd called timeout with Clippers on 6-0 run – 9:50 PM
Paul George throwing that lob on the fast break was … not what *EYE* would do to a Kawhi Leonard dealing with the knee… but Kawhi finished it and hung on the rim extremely long so he could stick the landing
Helped that Jason Kidd called timeout with Clippers on 6-0 run – 9:50 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
For the most part, Kawhi Leonard hasn’t looked like himself. But he did just throw down a baseline dunk which is a positive sign. – 9:48 PM
For the most part, Kawhi Leonard hasn’t looked like himself. But he did just throw down a baseline dunk which is a positive sign. – 9:48 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard goal tending violation. One of those silver lining sequences – 9:40 PM
Kawhi Leonard goal tending violation. One of those silver lining sequences – 9:40 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
James Harden played all but 42 seconds of that 1st half.
Just a terrible 2nd quarter with Kawhi dealing with the knee and PG dealing with the fouls
And for good measure, bench is 3/14 FGs and Terance Mann is also in foul trouble – 9:31 PM
James Harden played all but 42 seconds of that 1st half.
Just a terrible 2nd quarter with Kawhi dealing with the knee and PG dealing with the fouls
And for good measure, bench is 3/14 FGs and Terance Mann is also in foul trouble – 9:31 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard is out on the court warming up for second half. – 9:31 PM
Kawhi Leonard is out on the court warming up for second half. – 9:31 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Kawhi Leonard played just 9:57 in the first half and had just 3 points, 4 rebounds. – 9:28 PM
Kawhi Leonard played just 9:57 in the first half and had just 3 points, 4 rebounds. – 9:28 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard checked out of the game with 3:01 left and did not return in the second quarter. He was on the end of the bench. He only played 10 minutes in the first half and took just two shots. He has three points and four rebounds with two turnvoers at the half. – 9:25 PM
Kawhi Leonard checked out of the game with 3:01 left and did not return in the second quarter. He was on the end of the bench. He only played 10 minutes in the first half and took just two shots. He has three points and four rebounds with two turnvoers at the half. – 9:25 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Dallas 54, Clippers 41 | HALF | HUNH.
LAC outscored 36-18 in the 2nd quarter. Kawhi has played a 10 mins. Clips outscored by 4 in that time, when he had 3 points, 4 rebounds and 2 TOs. PG, meanwhile, has 3 fouls and five points in 11 minutes.
Mavs have converted 6,453 lobs. – 9:22 PM
Dallas 54, Clippers 41 | HALF | HUNH.
LAC outscored 36-18 in the 2nd quarter. Kawhi has played a 10 mins. Clips outscored by 4 in that time, when he had 3 points, 4 rebounds and 2 TOs. PG, meanwhile, has 3 fouls and five points in 11 minutes.
Mavs have converted 6,453 lobs. – 9:22 PM
Janis Carr @janiscarr
The Clippers trail the Mavericks 54-41 at the half. PG and Kawhi have been nonfactors so far with 5 and 3 points, respectively. – 9:22 PM
The Clippers trail the Mavericks 54-41 at the half. PG and Kawhi have been nonfactors so far with 5 and 3 points, respectively. – 9:22 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
I am EXTREMELY curious to see whether Kawhi starts the 2nd half – 9:20 PM
I am EXTREMELY curious to see whether Kawhi starts the 2nd half – 9:20 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
So, uh, Kawhi has played 10 minutes in the first half, and he can’t be out there at the end of the half even with PG in foul trouble? – 9:17 PM
So, uh, Kawhi has played 10 minutes in the first half, and he can’t be out there at the end of the half even with PG in foul trouble? – 9:17 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Russ is back in for Kawhi
Kawhi has only played 9:57 and it’s clear that he’s not ready to be Kawhi yet. – 9:12 PM
Russ is back in for Kawhi
Kawhi has only played 9:57 and it’s clear that he’s not ready to be Kawhi yet. – 9:12 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi is looking like a decoy out there.
Hasn’t looked comfortable on the ball at all.
And Mavericks secondary players are scoring any time they catch him around the action.
47-39 Dallas lead with 3:01 left in 1st half.
Clippers have more TOs (8) than assists (7) – 9:10 PM
Kawhi is looking like a decoy out there.
Hasn’t looked comfortable on the ball at all.
And Mavericks secondary players are scoring any time they catch him around the action.
47-39 Dallas lead with 3:01 left in 1st half.
Clippers have more TOs (8) than assists (7) – 9:10 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Kawhi has been pretty ineffective defensively so far. Did have one nice explosion to the rim in his first stint but otherwise a non-entity. – 9:10 PM
Kawhi has been pretty ineffective defensively so far. Did have one nice explosion to the rim in his first stint but otherwise a non-entity. – 9:10 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi has lost his handle in traffic multiple times in this first half – 9:04 PM
Kawhi has lost his handle in traffic multiple times in this first half – 9:04 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This series might as well be Stars vs Ducks. Hockey out here
Clippers lead 23-18 at the end of one quarter of play.
Russ has shut Luka down multiple times
Kawhi played first 6 minutes
Gafford, Lively, Zubac have accounted for 9 of the 18 combined FGs – 8:49 PM
This series might as well be Stars vs Ducks. Hockey out here
Clippers lead 23-18 at the end of one quarter of play.
Russ has shut Luka down multiple times
Kawhi played first 6 minutes
Gafford, Lively, Zubac have accounted for 9 of the 18 combined FGs – 8:49 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Russell Westbrook in for Kawhi
Russell Westbrook forces Luka travel on ATO
#AsPrescribed 💊
theathletic.com/5442696/2024/0… – 8:31 PM
Russell Westbrook in for Kawhi
Russell Westbrook forces Luka travel on ATO
#AsPrescribed 💊
theathletic.com/5442696/2024/0… – 8:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
The rim mics are so loud in here, I could hear the customary Kawhi “FOOOOUUULLL!!!” from here on the and-one through PJ Washington Jr. – 8:25 PM
The rim mics are so loud in here, I could hear the customary Kawhi “FOOOOUUULLL!!!” from here on the and-one through PJ Washington Jr. – 8:25 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Dallas welcomes Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers pic.twitter.com/CNXMBoplGe – 8:15 PM
Dallas welcomes Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers pic.twitter.com/CNXMBoplGe – 8:15 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
STARTERS 4/26
LAC
Kawhi Leonard
Paul George
Ivica Zubac
Terance Mann
James Harden
DAL
Derrick Jones Jr.
P.J. Washington
Daniel Gafford
Kyrie Irving
Luka Doncic – 7:36 PM
STARTERS 4/26
LAC
Kawhi Leonard
Paul George
Ivica Zubac
Terance Mann
James Harden
DAL
Derrick Jones Jr.
P.J. Washington
Daniel Gafford
Kyrie Irving
Luka Doncic – 7:36 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Game 3
LAC
Kawhi
PG
Zu
T-Mann
Harden
vs.
DAL: Jones Jr. , Washington, Gafford, Kyrie and Luka – 7:34 PM
Game 3
LAC
Kawhi
PG
Zu
T-Mann
Harden
vs.
DAL: Jones Jr. , Washington, Gafford, Kyrie and Luka – 7:34 PM
Mike Curtis @MikeACurtis2
Kawhi Leonard going through his pregame routine. He’s still questionable as of now, but we’ll know his status soon. pic.twitter.com/wdXzD9BYch – 6:16 PM
Kawhi Leonard going through his pregame routine. He’s still questionable as of now, but we’ll know his status soon. pic.twitter.com/wdXzD9BYch – 6:16 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Stuff like this can’t happen tonight.
Ian Eagle with such a good call: “Mann, just made one from there…” as he passes it up
And Clippers can’t win this series if Kawhi doesn’t find the range
3-point shooting efficiency is the biggest factor for LAC offense in this series pic.twitter.com/hTtciwHs2S – 4:58 PM
Stuff like this can’t happen tonight.
Ian Eagle with such a good call: “Mann, just made one from there…” as he passes it up
And Clippers can’t win this series if Kawhi doesn’t find the range
3-point shooting efficiency is the biggest factor for LAC offense in this series pic.twitter.com/hTtciwHs2S – 4:58 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Yup Kawhi getting up shots at Clippers shoot around pic.twitter.com/uE135fT6Ff – 12:11 PM
Yup Kawhi getting up shots at Clippers shoot around pic.twitter.com/uE135fT6Ff – 12:11 PM
More on this storyline
Mirjam Swanson: Tyronn Lue: Kawhi’s in, he wants the Clippers to maintain their defensive mentality. pic.twitter.com/rYdVw7mIoI -via Twitter @MirjamSwanson / April 26, 2024
Tim MacMahon: The Clippers have listed Kawhi Leonard (right knee inflammation) as questionable for Game 3. All indications are that Leonard will play. “I’m not sure the minutes will go up, but he feels good,” LA coach Ty Lue said after today’s practice. -via Twitter @espn_macmahon / April 25, 2024
Law Murray: Ahead of today’s practice, here’s what Tyronn Lue said when responding to questions about Kawhi Leonard coming out of Game 2 and the expectation that he’ll be ready for Game 3 pic.twitter.com/5wkcnghPTb -via Twitter @LawMurrayTheNU / April 25, 2024