It was a game night for the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers. In a nail-biting match, it was the presence of a 2x NBA champion that had everyone out of their seats. Returning Kawhi Leonard took the Clippers over the line giving everyone a reminder of his abilities.
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During the final moments in the 4th quarter, Kawhi made the winning basket with less than 2 seconds left on the clock. The clutch basket was an incredible ode to his own stamina and energy.
As much as fans were happy about this, they also pointed out that they could have witnessed more of him. They said, “If only he played basketball more than twice a year“. Others agreed and said Kawhi Leonard playing was more of a rarity than him making a game-winning shot.
If only he played basketball more than twice a year
— LR Sports (@LRTalksSports) December 6, 2022
Kawhi actually playing in a game out of nowhere is more shocking than him hitting that shot.
— Lakers WHOOP THAT Warriors TRICK w/ 29,683 others (@CurrentLoud) December 6, 2022
He's playing!?
— 𝐃𝐞𝐯, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐧 (@CelticsDev) December 6, 2022
kawhi play basketball?
— Fatgotfans (@dc_fat) December 6, 2022
Of course he only plays twice a month
— Danny Guzman (@DannyGu46006663) December 6, 2022
This is literally exactly why it doesn’t matter how many games he plays if he’s there for playoffs he cooks
— DonRobbieBurner🫡🎳 (@DonRobbieBurner) December 6, 2022
It was not just Kawhi that returned to his team. Paul George and Luke Kennard also supported the Clippers in winning against the Hornets, 119-117. George was out due to a right hamstring strain and Kennard had problems with his calf.
Kawhi had only played in 5 out of the 24 Clippers games this season. Paul George made a return after missing 7 consecutive games while Luke Kennard made his return after missing 9 games.
Kawhi Leonard has had an injury-stricken portfolio. In fact, it is reported that Kawhi has missed out on more games than Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis, also prone to health issues.
They are currently back on the court and playing well.
The availability of Kawhi Leonard
Since 2012, Kawhi has been struggling with his knee. He missed 18 games during that season, more than 15 games during the 2014 season, and played only one game in 2017 due to his ankle injury. His attendance record has not been great at all.
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The years 2017 and 2018 were a time for rehabilitation for Kawhi and he missed 50+ games. The 2x Finals MVP has not been able to play games consistently for a long time now.
Even NBA legend, Paul Pierce has been critical of Leonard’s absence.
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But despite his serious injuries, Kawhi Leonard is still a great player and continues to have a knack for mid-range jumpers. He has often made the impossible come true with his iconic shots.