What Happened to Kawhi Leonard? Clippers Star’s Healthy Run Derailed in Timberwolves Clash

The Los Angeles Clippers are facing a massive challenge tonight. They are going head-to-head against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a heated battle. Kawhi Leonard and Co. started the game hot and gained the upper hand in the first quarter by outscoring Minnesota 34-21. Unfortunately, the Clippers suffered a massive setback in the second quarter as their superstar Kawhi Leonard left the game after playing only 12 minutes.

Kawhi has reportedly been diagnosed with thoracic spasm and will remain out for the rest of the game. Kawhi finished with only 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. That proved a massive blow for the Clippers as they struggled offensively and defensively in Kawhi’s absence. Anthony Edwards and Co. took advantage of the 2-time Champion’s sudden injury and made an impressive comeback after he left.

It was later reported that Kawhi left the arena soon after exiting the game. That raises concerns for the Clippers as his sudden departure hints at a major injury. Kawhi was not completely healthy heading into tonight’s game. He had missed the last Clippers’ game against the Bucks and was already dealing with thoracic spasms before tonight’s game started.

The 32-year-old tried to play through the injury. But it only got re-aggravated during the game. Maybe the Clippers should have rested Kawhi for a few more games until he was fit to play. If Kawhi’s injury causes him to miss time during the final stretch of the season, that could ruin his healthiest run with the Clippers.

How Many Games Has Kawhi Leonard Played This Season?

Kawhi Leonard has not been the most reliable superstar in the past years. Since joining the Clippers in 2019, Kawhi has not played 60+ games in any season. He even missed the entire 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury. Kawhi’s most productive season with the Clippers came in 2019-20 when he played 57 regular season games, averaging 27.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. However, this season has been a different story for the 2-time Champion. Kawhi has been healthy for the majority of this season and already surpassed his 2019-20 mark with 58 appearances.

With 18 games remaining in the regular season, Kawhi is en route to having the first 60+ games season of his Clippers’ tenure. Not only has Kawhi been available this season, but he has also played like a superstar. Kawhi is averaging 24 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, and he has led the Clippers to the 4th seed in the stacked Western Conference. The Clippers hope Kawhi’s healthy run does not get derailed by tonight’s injury, and he returns soon to fulfill their Championship dreams.

Read More: Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Clippers’ Paul George Picks Between 57YO Semi-Retired Boxer and a ‘Professional Troll’