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Kawhi Leonard Must Excel in Playoffs Despite Past Injuries
Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard Must Excel in Playoffs Despite Past Injuries

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Enrico Hernandez  |  Last updated Apr 6, 2025 6:30 AM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers are closing in on the playoffs, but they need all the help they can get. Kawhi Leonard’s play and health may decide that. Leonard has steadily grown into the star player that the Clippers have wanted to see since his major knee injury. Over the past few weeks, Leonard has shown signs of his past self on the offensive end of the ball. On the other side, he is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Especially in a defense led by head assistant Jeff Van Gundy, Leonard has fit in very well in the system. Altogether, the Clippers have an opportunity to get the best out of Leonard for a deep run for the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard Must Excel in Playoffs Despite Past Injuries

This season may not look like how a prime Kawhi Leonard would perform, but he is still getting the job done. Leonard is averaging 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting close to 50% from the floor. It has been a different story over the past few weeks though, as Leonard has brought his game to another level. The Clippers have been enjoying the production he has brought since returning to the lineup.

Leonard is having a great stretch of performances as of late. Over the past ten games, Leonard has averaged 26.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The efficiency has been stellar as well, shooting 56.6% from the field, 52.0% from the arc, and 92.3% from the free-throw line. The message is clear for Leonard, as the increase in numbers is crucial for LA as the playoffs inch closer.

How Has Health Prevented Leonard’s Greatness in Playoffs?

When there are discussions about Leonard, the word “health” is always used in the conversation. Health has been a consistent issue with Leonard in the playoffs, especially to his right knee. Leonard partially tore his ACL in the 2021 Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz. A torn meniscus caused Leonard to miss the rest of the first round matchup against the Phoenix Suns in 2023. The most recent right knee injury came when reoccurring inflammation would cause Leonard to miss the rest of the first round series against the Dallas Mavericks and the rest of the calendar year.

The discussion about who is the most feared in the league was a hot topic on ESPN’s “First Take.” The show’s guest and former Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. appeared in a segment about who is the most feared player in the league. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was the main player of the conversation, but Morris Sr. had another name in mind. Morris Sr. was quick to jump to the answer of a healthy Kawhi Leonard being the most feared. 

As the season winds down, Leonard looks to finish the last few games strong. The Clippers can look to him to become a number one option as long as he continues to progress very well. While teammate James Harden has been the number one man for Los Angeles during much of the regular season, the playoffs can be a different story, especially with Leonard. However, health has always been the question going into this time of the year. We can only wait and see how Leonard and the Clippers proceed into the playoffs, and whether LA chooses to be aggressive or cautious with “The Klaw.”

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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