In step with what has been a normal working process since Kawhi Leonard has returned, the Clippers didn’t play their All-Star ahead within the fourth quarter Sunday evening towards the Lakers.
Even when the Clippers’ 26-point lead within the third quarter was sliced to fifteen by the top of the quarter and to 11 early within the fourth, Leonard sat on the bench.
However throughout the 24 minutes and 17 seconds Leonard did play — probably the most he has performed this season — he was the sharpest he has been in his 5 video games this season.
He was environment friendly in scoring his 19 factors, going 9 for 13 from the sector.
“I’m happy with the progress,” Leonard mentioned after the Clippers’ 116-102 win on the Intuit Dome. “For me, it’s just about how I’m feeling and I’m coming out of the games feeling great. But I still got work to do and we’re going to keep taking each step.”
Leonard missed the primary 34 video games of the season due to proper knee irritation. Sunday evening gave him one other alternative to construct.
When Leonard wheeled round Gabe Vincent towards the baseline and scored on a layup within the second quarter, it was one other signal he was taking a step in the fitting path.
“Like I said, I liked Kawhi’s pace, getting to a spot,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue mentioned. “We just got to keep building and continue to keep stacking days.”
Lue mentioned Leonard is not going to play Monday evening towards the Chicago Bulls. Leonard additionally didn’t play Thursday in Portland after the Clippers performed the day earlier than.
The Clippers have 4 extra video games this week, together with a back-to-back set on Wednesday towards Boston and Thursday towards Washington, which most likely means Leonard received’t play in a type of video games. The Clippers end their five-game homestand Saturday towards Milwaukee.
They’re taking part in an additional recreation this week after the NBA made schedule adjustments within the wake of postponements brought on by wildfires within the L.A. space.
“We go day by day,” mentioned Clippers heart Ivica Zubac, who was one rebound wanting one other 20-20 recreation with 21 factors and 19 rebounds. “You try to win game by game. We were focused on tonight. We weren’t looking ahead. So, tomorrow is a new day, forget about everything that happened tonight and try to go and get another one. Then get our rest, recovery on the day off and get ready again. There’s nothing you can do. There’s nothing you can change.”
Regardless of his injury-marred profession, Leonard handed the 14,000-point mark Sunday. He’s hopeful he can obtain much more as he continues his comeback from harm.
“I’m happy that I was able to play along enough to get to that point,” mentioned Leonard, who has 14,005 profession factors. “But for me though, I’m not looking at that as a milestone. I’m more of a team guy and want to get the win, get down, be the last team standing and that’s what I played for. But thank God for me to be able to get that opportunity, and most people don’t. So, I would like to take every opportunity and blessing and don’t take it for granted.”
Within the midst of the Clippers rolling over the Lakers, James Harden reached one more milestone. He moved into 14th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring checklist with 26,721 factors, passing Corridor of Famer Oscar Robertson.
Harden had 21 factors and 12 assists towards the Lakers.
