Kawhi Leonard, rejuvenated both mentally and physically this season, is eager to join the action as the Los Angeles Clippers enter the postseason. After participating in only two playoff games over the past two years, the 33-year-old two-time Finals MVP is now healthy and aiming to demonstrate his prowess as the fifth-seeded Clippers face the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round, commencing Saturday in Denver.
The Clippers have experienced a significant transformation with Leonard’s return to form. Initially, he missed the first 34 games of the season due to persistent issues with his surgically repaired knees. However, Los Angeles rebounded impressively, securing 18 victories in their final 21 games, during which they boasted the NBA’s top-ranked offense.
Coach Tyronn Lue expressed his satisfaction with Leonard’s performance, acknowledging the hard work he invested to reach this stage and maintain his health through the season’s end. Leonard’s illustrious career includes two NBA championships with San Antonio and Toronto, although his tenure with the Clippers has been marred by health challenges.
In 2020-21, an injury to his knee during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against Utah sidelined him for the remainder of the series. Despite advancing to the conference finals for the first time in franchise history, the Clippers fell to Phoenix. Leonard missed the entire 2021-22 season as he rehabilitated his knee, only to suffer a meniscus tear in the first round of the 2022-23 playoffs. Last season, a right knee injury limited him to two games as the Clippers succumbed to Dallas in the first round.
Leonard remains passionate about the game, driven by his love for competition despite the ups and downs he has encountered. The Clippers have permitted him to seek external opinions on his health, integrating these insights with the team’s medical staff to facilitate his recovery.
Lue lauded the efforts of the medical staff, particularly president Maggie Bryant, for exploring innovative strategies to ensure Leonard’s health at the conclusion of the 82-game regular season. The approach involved comprehensive checks before allowing him to return to play, contributing to his current well-being.
Leonard’s experiences have sharpened his focus, prompting him to cherish every opportunity and play his best, all while enjoying the game. Historically, he has excelled in postseason play, averaging 29.3 points and shooting 63% over 60 games between 2017 and 2020.
Currently, the Clippers enter the postseason as the league’s most formidable team, riding an eight-game winning streak. Leonard’s formidable performance, scoring 33 points on 13 of 20 shooting in an overtime victory against Golden State, capped the regular season. Teammate Norman Powell noted the evident difference in Leonard’s play when he is healthy and able to compete at his peak.