The mood around the Los Angeles Clippers camps was positive ahead of Game 2. They beat the Dallas Mavericks without Kawhi Leonard, and he’s also coming back to play for the game. The stage was set for the Clippers to overpower the Mavs and make the trip to Texas with a two-game lead.
However, Luka Doncic put together a dominant all-around performance to help the Mavericks enjoy a tight win over the Clippers. His 32 points, six rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and one block was enough to push his team past the Clippers and even the series.
While LA are focusing on recouping their losses as they head to the American Airlines Center, Kawhi Leonard talks about his condition and his personal expectations for himself after a disappointing performance.
Kawhi Leonard doesn’t use form as an excuse after the Los Angeles Clippers’ loss to the Mavericks
Leonard talked to the media about his performance and where he and his teammates could improve.
While he could have used the fact that he hasn’t played since March 31 as his excuse, he chose to focus on what he could have done better.
“This is my first game in 20-something days, but I’m not measuring it,” Leonard told the press. “We gotta be better as a unit overall, and it starts with me. Even if my wind is low, I gotta find a way.”
Leonard did perform poorly in his first game back in three weeks. He scored 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting. However, he made his impact on other areas with his seven boards and two assists. He was especially disruptive on the defensive side of the ball with his four steals and one block.
Los Angeles Clippers fans will hope that the Klaw will be back in full force by Game 3. The last thing they want is to risk losing the series in five games since they have Doncic and Kyrie Irving who can close out games on their side.
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