The Los Angeles Clippers have been dealt a major blow as star forward Kawhi Leonard will be out for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. Leonard, who has been a key contributor for the Clippers this season, is dealing with a right knee injury that has kept him out of the last two games.
The Clippers have already lost two games in the series and are now in a must-win situation. Without Leonard, they will be missing one of their best players and will have to rely on others to step up and fill the void.
Leonard has been a key part of the Clippers’ success this season. He is averaging 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He is also shooting an impressive 49.3 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three-point range. His absence will be felt on both ends of the court.
The Clippers will need to rely on other players to step up in Leonard’s absence. Paul George is expected to take on a bigger role, while forwards Marcus Morris and Nicolas Batum will need to be more productive on both ends of the floor. The team will also need to get more production from their bench players, as they will need to fill in the gaps left by Leonard’s absence.
The Clippers have been one of the top teams in the NBA this season and are expected to make a deep run in the playoffs. However, without Leonard, their chances of advancing past the first round are significantly diminished. It will be up to the rest of the team to step up and fill the void left by Leonard’s absence.
The Clippers will need to find a way to win without Leonard if they want to advance in the playoffs. It won’t be easy, but it is certainly possible if the team can come together and play as a unit. The team will need to find a way to make up for Leonard’s absence if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
