The Los Angeles Clippers broke their two-game skid as Kawhi Leonard took the floor for them last night. Playing the Hornets on the road, the game was tied at 117. However, with four seconds to go, the Klaw took over and hit a mid-range jumper to seal the game.
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Welcome back @kawhileonard pic.twitter.com/2KgdMcpxAO
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 6, 2022
In his fourth start after return, Kawhi scored 16 points, had six rebounds, and dished two assists. His return to the lineup adds a huge boost for the Clippers, who seemed lost without him and Paul George.
While Leonard’s return last night may have gotten the Clippers fans all excited, there is one person who is still not very sure about the 2x NBA Champion. Stephen A Smith.
Stephen A Smith doubts Kawhi Leonard can stay healthy
When he takes the floor, Kawhi Leonard is one of the most winningest players in the NBA. In fact, the 6ft 7″ forward leads the NBA in win percentage.
Kawhi Leonard is simply a winner. One of the greatest players to touch a ball pic.twitter.com/wc6EsRoAGS
— ∞ (@nicknbagenda) November 20, 2022
However, the biggest concern about the Klaw as of late has been ‘load management’ and the lack of minutes and games played. Stephen A Smith brought up the same on First Take today.
The veteran ESPN analyst talked about how when both PG and Kawhi play, the Clippers are the WCF favorites. However, the biggest problem there is that Kawhi doesn’t really play till he feels 100%, which has only happened six times so far this season.
“When Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy, we know that this is arguably the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. … I’m just a person that has NO faith in the health of Kawhi Leonard.”
😳 @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/6bX1na1BUV
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 6, 2022
Kawhi’s consistency regarding the games he plays is a major factor for concern for the Clippers.
What can the Clippers achieve this season?
The sky is the limit for the Los Angeles Clippers. In fact, it has been this way for them since the 2020 NBA Bubble. However, the Clippers haven’t had Lady Luck sing in their favor. Crippled by injuries, this Clippers side hasn’t made it past the Western Conference Finals yet.
If both their superstars, i.e, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George seem to find a way to stay healthy this year, the Clippers, with their coach and their bench depth, have a legitimate shot at going all the way. However, the IF about staying healthy is a BIG one, as previous trends suggest.
We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for the Clippers.