No longer an iron man. After completing more than three quarters of the 2023–24 season without missing a game, Kawhi Leonard’s flawless attendance record appears to be faltering. According to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, he has been ruled out of the Los Angeles Clippers’ crucial Saturday matchup against the Boston Celtics due to a hip strain. This will be his second straight game missed.
Admittedly, it is a tad early for the doom and gloom routine. Leonard has played in back-to-backs and reminded everyone that he is still one of the best players in the NBA when healthy. Despite there being multiple mouths to feed in the Clippers’ offense, he is averaging 24.4 points per game and is just a few free throw percentage points from posting a 50/40/90 shooting line.
James Harden’s arrival has already caused LA to go through one significant period of transition, and it was not a pleasant one. The squad has now found its groove, winning nine straight games before to last Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder sans Leonard. Tyronn Lue, the head coach, and the Clippers’ core will need to make some adjustments if this issue persists.
