Kawhi Leonard Addresses Bradley Beal's Absence After Blowout Loss to Warriors

Beal has never played fewer than 31 minutes per game throughout his 14-year career, even playing upwards of 32 minutes per game during a rocky stint in Phoenix that saw the first major production decrease of his career. While his current stat line of 5.5 points, one rebound and one assist per game is unlikely to stick, it appears he’s tracking toward another substantial decrease.

Kawhi's Comments

Regardless, Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard knows how important it is for the team to not only get Beal back but also to a place where he can make meaningful contributions for a team with legitimate aspirations of a deep playoff run. When asked by veteran reporter Law Murray about Beal’s importance offensively, Leonard complimented what Beal brings to the table.

“You know, he's very dynamic,” Leonard said. “He's led the league in scoring one year, (he’s a) three-level scorer. So, you know, that says it all there. And hopefully he's back next game and hopefully he's feeling well.”

Tuesday’s lack of offensive output made it clear that Beal’s scoring presence is needed, as Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac combined for 52 of the Clippers' 79 points, which was the team’s lowest single-game scoring total since a 92-79 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 that occurred exactly four years and one day to the date of Tuesday’s disappointment. 

The Clippers will look to get back in the winning column against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, marking the start of a three-game homestand. The hope, as Leonard alluded to, is that Beal will be healthy enough to return and give the team a much-needed boost against a Pelicans team that already appears vulnerable to start the season.