After missing nine games due to soreness in his right knee, Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup but occasionally displayed rustiness and difficulty finding his rhythm.
Tuesday night in Game 2, Luka Doncic had an incredible effort, scoring 32 points to lead the Mavericks to a hard-fought 96-93 victory against the Clippers. The Mavericks’ victory tied their best-of-seven first-round series at one game apiece.
Kawhi Leonard discussed his conditioning, injuries, and the team’s decision to divide their home-court games with the media following the game: “This is my first game in 20 something days. I don’t know; I’m not measuring it. We’ve gotta be better as a unit overall, and that starts with me.”
According to the NBA website, he still contributed significantly, scoring 15 points and pulling seven rebounds despite missing all five of his three-point attempts. Despite the obstacles, Leonard maintained the Clippers’ competitiveness throughout the game. Kawhi Leonard will have more chances to return to his best physical state as the series progresses.
Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers Weren’t Able to Hold the Mavericks After Losing the Lead
The Mavericks never led in Game 1, but they controlled most of the game in a defensive struggle. Neither side gained a double-digit lead in Game 2, and ten lead changes occurred during the game.
The Mavericks defeated the Clippers to win the home-court advantage, but Doncic’s clutch play of two big 3-pointers and four assists saw Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers give up a six-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Paul George added 22 points to the Clippers’ offensive total, while James Harden led the team with 22 points and eight assists. Three minutes into the game, Mavericks starting center Daniel Gafford suffered a lower back injury. However, he returned in the second quarter, even though he did not add any points to the score. Tim Hardaway Jr. could not continue the game due to an injured right ankle.
Also Read: 5 Players Who Will Show Out in the NBA Playoffs And 5 Who Will Shrink in the Spotlight
