Leonard first played in 5-on-5 drills on November 11. The 11-year veteran averaged 12.5 points (44.4 FG%) and 6.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game, and then missed 12 consecutive games because of stiffness in his right knee.īut Lue has since opted against that approach. Leonard started after coming off the bench in two of the Clippers’ first three games in an attempt to preserve his workload and ensure crunch-time minutes. It gives us a sense of calmness when he has the ball in his hand.” With him on the floor we’re a different team. “He looked pretty good as far as his movement,” Lue said. Despite Leonard’s inefficient shooting numbers, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Leonard for his movement, his defense and a plus-26 rating that indicated team success while he was on the floor.
Leonard finished with six points (2-for-8 shooting, 0-for-3 on 3-pointers) along with five rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes as a starter. How important is Kawhi Leonard's return to the Clippers' starting lineup?
