The LA Clippers faced a tough loss in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. Their star player, Kawhi Leonard, was sidelined due to a sprained right knee, which he aggravated in Game 1. Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook stepped up to score big, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Suns.
Kawhi Leonard Out of Game 3 with Sprained Knee
According to Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, Leonard played through the sprain in Game 2, but the injury didn’t improve afterward. As a result, Leonard had to sit out of Game 3. Coach Tyronn Lue expressed his sympathy for Leonard, who is desperate to play but can’t due to his injury.
Leonard’s absence means that the Clippers are without both their star players, as Paul George has been out of the game since March 21, rehabilitating from his right knee sprain. Without Leonard and George, the Clippers faced a difficult challenge against the Suns’ trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul.
Focusing on the Next Game
Despite the disappointment of Leonard’s injury, the Clippers are not giving up. Lue encouraged his team to focus and remain locked in for the next game. The Clippers will have to step up to fill the gap left by their missing star players if they hope to make it to the next round of the playoffs.
Leonard has been a key player for the Clippers in the playoffs, averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and six assists through the first two games of the best-of-seven series, which is currently tied 1-1. Leonard’s absence in Game 3 was a significant blow to the Clippers, and they will need him back in the game if they hope to secure a victory in Game 4.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers have a lot of work to do if they want to win Game 4 on Saturday in Los Angeles. The team is now 3-10 this season when both Leonard and George are out of the lineup. They will need to rely on their other players to step up and fill the gap left by their missing star players. The Clippers’ season hangs in the balance, and they will need to give it their all in the upcoming games to stay in the playoffs.
The LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard’s absence due to his sprained right knee is a significant setback for the team in the Western Conference playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. The team is now without both their star players, but they are not giving up hope. The Clippers’ other players will have to step up if they hope to win the next game and make it to the next round of the playoffs.
