The Los Angeles Clippers recently faced the Los Angeles Lakers in an intense game at the Intuit Dome. The Lakers surged ahead with a commanding lead during the first quarter, ultimately clinching a decisive victory with a score of 122-97 over the Clippers. This defeat was particularly unsettling for star player Kawhi Leonard, who undoubtedly had higher expectations for the game.
Leonard recorded 11 points, two assists, and six rebounds over 22 minutes of play against the Lakers. In the aftermath, during the post-game interview, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Clippers’ bench’s performance following the team’s disappointing defeat to their rivals.
“You’re not seeing the consistent minutes that you were seeing at the beginning of the year, especially with me still being on minute restriction. It’s kind of hard for Ty Lue to find those lineups that work. I feel like our second team has to get better. The start of that second quarter, it’s kind of been like that since I’ve been back,” Leonard said.
Kawhi Leonard said the Clippers’ second group has to get better:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 5, 2025
“I feel like our second team has to get better. The start of that second quarter, it’s kinda been like that since I’ve been back.” pic.twitter.com/yS8D5sAUH5
Leonard emphasized the need for significant improvement in the performance of the Clippers’ second unit in order to compete effectively in their upcoming games. He highlighted the importance of their contributions to the team’s overall success and called for greater effort and better cohesion among the bench players.
Kawhi Leonard Opened Up About the Clippers’ Challenges In The Recent Games
Leonard missed the first 34 games of the 2024-25 NBA season. Since his return, he has been methodically striving to regain his optimal performance. Additionally, during a previous game against the San Antonio Spurs, he was booed by Spurs fans.
Leonard remains under a minute restriction, having yet to exceed 30 minutes of play in any of the games he has participated in following his recovery. In a recent interview, a reporter inquired about the challenges related to the effort that the Clippers have faced in their recent matchups.
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Lakers attacking Kawhi Leonard at the rim
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) February 5, 2025
Kawhi looks like he don't wanna play any defense pic.twitter.com/BGhe99pd0o
“I don’t know. It’s hard to say. We all get paid to play this game and leave it all on the floor. So, I’m not sure,” Leonard said (Via Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times).
After their recent loss, the Clippers are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference standings with a 28-22 record. They will play their next game against the Indiana Pacers at Intuit Dome.
