INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard is sitting out the LA Clippers’ regular-season finale Sunday night time in opposition to the Golden State Warriors.
“He’s been dealing with some things the last couple weeks with his wrist and with his ankle,” coach Tyronn Lue stated earlier than the sport, “so we just thought it would be smart just to get him as close to 100% as we can get him.”
Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 factors, 6.4 rebounds and three.6 assists throughout a principally wholesome season through which he performed his second-most video games as a Clipper. He performed 68 video games two years in the past after being restricted to 37 in 2024-25 due to accidents.
“Just being healthy, being able to play in back-to-backs, being able to carry this team when we’re down,” Lue stated. “Just happy for him to be able to get back on the floor for a lot of games this year.”
Not taking part in Sunday ended Leonard’s career-high regular-season streak of 57 straight video games with 20 or extra factors, leaving him tied with Bob McAdoo for the longest in franchise historical past.
Leonard’s absence from Game 82 would not have an effect on his capability to contend for postseason honors, together with All-NBA. He’s among the many just-made-it-in membership, together with Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley, who grew to become awards eligible on Friday, when Leonard performed in his sixty fifth recreation, which is the minimal to qualify.
Steph Curry and the Warriors have already clinched the No. 10 seed for the play-in tournament, the place they may face the Clippers once more.
