Kawhi Leonard gives a Kobe-like reaction to the Clippers cutting down the Mavericks’ 2-0 series lead with a blowout win in Game 4
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Heading to Dallas, Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers were the center of media attention. It wasn’t for the right reasons. At the start of the season, the Clippers were expected to make the Conference Finals. However, once they lost the first two games, the Mavericks looked like the better team. Kawhi and co. changed the narrative after the two games in Dallas. Kawhi had a cool 29 points and 10 rebounds, on 73.3% from the field, and 66.7% from beyond the arc. His co-star Paul George didn’t have a bad night either. PG scored 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds during this game, and shot 50% from three.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks just couldn’t get it going during this game. The team shot just 34.8% from the field, and 16.7% from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic in particular had an awful night. The star only had 19 points during this game. His efficiency was perhaps one of his worst ever, at 37.5% from the field, and 14.3% from deep. His back injury may be taking too much of an effect after all.
Kawhi Leonard highlights that there is still work to be done for the LA Clippers against the Dallas Mavericks
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George rallied hard to get both the games in Dallas and tie up the series. To pull off this task against a very good Dallas team is frankly huge.
During the post-game interview, when Kawhi Leonard was asked about his thoughts on the game, his response almost made it seem like really, nothing had happened. His answer was almost striking similar to Kobe Bryant’s reaction in the 2009 Finals.
“The job’s not done yet. We have to keep an even-keeled mindset and get ready for the next one.”
Kawhi Leonard after Clippers tie the series at 2-2.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 31, 2021
His response here is reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s legendary postgame interview in the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic. And as countless fans know, the Lakers would go on to win the ring that year.
So the question stands. Will the Clippers enjoy similar success in this series? Or will the Mavericks have a say in the matter once again?