LOS ANGELES (News4usonline) – The Clippers pulled off a 26-point comeback win over the Cavaliers despite being without Kawhi Leonard. It is the fourth straight game Los Angeles has played without their best player, and it is unclear exactly when he will return to the starting lineup.
“I’m not sure,” said Tyronn Lue when asked if Leonard will be available for their next game. “I don’t have any level of concern,” added Lue.
The organization is likely being cautious with a player who has had multiple postseason knee injuries during his tenure in Los Angeles. However, it is still concerning that Leonard has missed this much time right before what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
In the middle of the season, the Clippers easily looked like one of the best teams in the NBA, and there were a number of reasons to believe they might break through and win their first championship. If Leonard is not feeling right, the Clippers’ expectations plummet.
“We are still fighting for that four seed. We understand that we have a chance to clinch it, or we don’t have a chance to clinch it. Right now, our focus is on playing better basketball, continuing to get better, and getting up as far as we can in terms of seeding,” said Lue.
The Clippers’ biggest weakness has become a glaring problem that could be difficult to overcome when the level of competition is heightened. The Clippers simply have no answer for teams with top-tier big men.
Even though they pulled off the win against Cleveland, the Clippers allowed Even Mobley and Jarrett Allen to combine for 37 points. Mobley had double figures in the first quarter, helping the Cavaliers build the early lead.
Their last loss came at the hands of Sacramento when the Clippers allowed Domantas Sabonis to grab 20 rebounds, seven on the offensive end.
Luckily, it looks like the Clippers will face the Mavericks in their first-round matchup. Dallas’s offense is heavily dominated by guards, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving running the show. They lack the ability to get production from their post players consistently.
A series with the Mavericks brings back into play the health of Kawhi Leonard. If he is not able to give maximum effort on the defensive side of the floor Doncic and Irving will have their way scoring the basketball.
“These situations aren’t ideal, but it is nice when we find a way to kind of just rally together. I thought this was a game where we really just dug down, and that second half was special,” said Paul George.
With Leonard out and James Harden not playing at all in the fourth quarter, George put the team on his back down the stretch. He scored 39 points, including the game-winning basket, while also grabbing 11 boards and dishing out seven assists.
The win is a huge positive for the team, as it shows that they can beat quality opponents when they are not at their best. The goal is a championship, though, and the Clippers will need to be at their best to compete for one.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.