Los Angeles Clippers’ All-Star Kawhi Leonard left Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to back spasms, leaving his status for upcoming games uncertain. Leonard, who had been dealing with thoracic spasms and had already missed Sunday’s game with left groin soreness, decided to go home and rest rather than sit in discomfort at the arena. Coach Tyronn Lue revealed that Leonard had been battling the issue for a couple of days and it was unclear if he would be available for the next game.
Leonard exited the game after just 12 minutes of play, during which he scored six points. The Clippers went on to blow a 22-point lead and ultimately fell to the Timberwolves 118-100. This loss marked the team’s second consecutive defeat, with coach Lue emphasizing the need for mental toughness and physical improvement moving forward.
The Minnesota Timberwolves capitalized on Leonard’s absence, with rising star Anthony Edwards scoring an impressive 30 points in the win. Despite missing injured All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves managed to sweep the season series against the Clippers, positioning themselves just half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets in the competitive Western Conference standings.
In addition to Leonard’s injury, the Clippers are also monitoring James Harden’s shoulder issue as they prepare for upcoming road games. Harden, who recently joined the team after a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, has been playing through the injury but has yet to miss a game.
As the Clippers navigate a challenging stretch without Leonard, they will need to regroup and refocus in order to avoid further losses and maintain their standing in the Western Conference race.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”