The LA Clippers started their playoff journey with a dominant Game 1 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Despite missing out on Kawhi Leonard, the team looked solid right from the tip-off and cruised to a comfortable 109-97 win. At halftime, the Clippers led the game 56-30, but strong third-quarter performances from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving meant that the Mavs reduced the deficit going into the fourth quarter.
James Harden, Paul George and Ivica Zubac combined for 70 points to lead the way for the LA Clippers. The team were lights out on the offensive end and brilliant on the defensive end throughout the first half. Although they did let the Mavericks score 67 points in the second half, the Clippers hung on and kept making buckets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Kawhi Leonard has not played for the LA Clippers since the start of April. He was able to play 68 regular season games for the team this season, which is the most for him since his playing time with the San Antonio Spurs. The two-time Finals MVP looked solid when he was on the court with the Clippers, but his injury issues have hampered his season in the past as well. In his presence, the team have a 44-24 record which shows how important he is to the franchise.
How important is Kawhi Leonard to the LA Clippers?
Kawhi Leonard is one of the best playoff performers in the league. He has been brilliant in the postseason all his career and the championships he won with the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors are a testament to that. Last season, the forward was putting up big numbers in the playoffs in the absence of Paul George, but an injury meant that he would have to miss games and this indefinitely cost the LA Clippers the series.
The KLAW’s ability to score tough buckets and be a solid defender presents the Clippers with yet another two-way wizard. His mid-range game has further elevated this season as he shot the ball 52.5% from the field. Kawhi also had a terrific year shooting beyond the arc as he made 41.7% of his threes. He was extremely close to having a 50-40-90 year but fell short due to a drop in his free throw percentage.
NBA experts believe that without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers would not have a chance at beating the Dallas Mavericks. Led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs have the firepower to break down any defense in the league. Although they were not able to do that against the LA Clippers in the first round, the Mavs are expected to be back to their best in the next matchup.
Playing against them without Kawhi could be difficult as he could be a player who could potentially stop Doncic from wreaking havoc. The Slovenian started Game 1 slow but showed his exploits in the second half to end the game with 33 points. If Kawhi will not be able to be back for Game 2, Doncic could punish the Clippers and help the Mavs steal a road win.
Will Kawhi Leonard be back in this series against the Dallas Mavericks?
Ty Lue gave an update about Kawhi Leonard ahead of the Game 1 matchup against the Mavs. He said that the former DPOY is progressing and has been on the floor for the last couple of days. However, Coach Lue also stated that he hadn’t done any contact training and will be monitored “day by day.”
Kawhi Leonard’s knee has been troubling him for a couple of seasons now. The LA Clippers had to miss out on his services during the 2021 Western Conference Playoffs as he went down with an ACL injury during the series against the Utah Jazz.
There are reports that Kawhi Leonard’s knee has a lot of swelling and these are not good signs for the LA Clippers. However, they will be hoping for the best as with him on the team, they are a formidable side. Beating the Mavs is going to be difficult, but the Clippers are a team that has a lot of experience. The likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Paul George have been in similar situations and could hold it down until Kawhi Leonard returns to the lineup.
