The Los Angeles Clippers have turned their season around. After an abysmal start to the James Harden era in LA, many expected the Clippers to fail again this year. However, they won 9 consecutive games to start the month of December and moved up to the 4th spot in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers currently have a winning record of 18-12. But there has been a minor setback in the Clippers’ comeback journey.
Their superstar, Kawhi Leonard, has been out of action for the last three games due to a hip injury. To make things worse, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gave more concerning details about Kawhi’s injury and potential return to action.
Kawhi Leonard’s injury update
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The LA Clippers will face the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, and Kawhi Leonard will not suit up for his team yet again. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed that Kawhi suffered a hip injury during a game against the Utah Jazz on December 8. He continued to play through the pain and went off for 41 points in that game. But Kawhi re-aggravated his injury last week against the Dallas Mavericks. That is the reason the 2-time champion has been out of the line-up. “He’s getting better. He’s just not cleared to play right now.” Lue added.
Tyronn Lue says Kawhi Leonard initially suffered the hip injury against the Jazz and played through it, but then aggravated it against the Mavs last week:
“He’s getting better. He’s just not cleared to play right now.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 30, 2023
It is still uncertain when Kawhi will return to action. The Clippers need Kawhi back in the line-up to continue their dominant run. Before the injury, Kawhi was averaging 24.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. He is key to the success of the Clippers this season. But knowing about Kawhi’s history of injuries and how much time that has cost him in the past, the Clippers cannot help but be a little concerned.
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Other Clippers superstars need to step up in Kawhi’s absence
The Clippers are 1-2 since Kawhi got injured. They were on a tear the entire month, but Kawhi’s injury has slowed the Clippers down. Other Clippers superstars, including James Harden, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook, need to step up their game in Kawhi’s absence. Harden is holding his end of the bargain and has been playing great recently. He scored 29 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in the last game and got the Clippers a win over the Hornets.
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PG and Russ also had a decent game and combined for 39 points. The Clippers will need all the firepower tonight against the Grizzlies. Memphis has found a new life after Ja Morant’s return, and they will try their best to take down the Clippers in Kawhi’s absence. Do you think the Clippers can beat the Memphis Grizzlies tonight and end their year on a high note?
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