After kickstarting the playoff series with a game-winning performance, the Los Angeles Clippers fell short of the Phoenix Suns in the next face-off. Following their Game 2 defeat, the Clippers lost two more games in a row, falling behind the Suns with a 3-1 deficit. This poor showing prompted NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith to call Clippers star Kawhi Leonard one of the ‘worst superstars’ in NBA history. Following that, a shocking update has surfaced that might explain the two-time NBA champion’s recent woes.
After putting up a total of 69 points in Game 1 and Game 2, Leonard was ruled out of the next two games due to a right knee sprain. Without their best player on the court, the LA Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns 100-112 in Game 4.
Bleak update for Kawhi Leonard
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the LA Clippers were struggling in Game 4 against the Suns, a shocking update regarding Kawhi Leonard’s sister created a ruckus in the NBA world. As per reports, the 2x NBA Finals MVP’s sister Kimesha Williams has been recently sentenced to life in prison for the murder of an 84-year-old woman named Afaf Assad in a casino in 2019.
The incident took place in 2019 when Williams and an acquaintance named Candace Townsel went to the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. Williams and Townsel were sentenced for first-degree murder after Assad was found bleeding profusely due to a fractured skull in the bathroom of the resort.
ESPN reported that the crime took place after Assad went to the bathroom with $1000 in her purse that she had brought for gambling. Williams reportedly followed Assad to the bathroom while Townsel guarded the door.
REPORT: Kawhi Leonard’s sister has been sentenced to life in prison for killing an elderly woman in 2019.
(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/WoHPqsBbZg
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 22, 2023
A woman who was inside one of the stalls of the bathroom exited the stall after she heard a commotion and saw Williams and Townsel fleeing the scene. While the Clippers star’s sister denied the allegations in her statement, it did not excuse her from the judge’s final ruling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The update on his sister’s sentencing might explain Kawhi Leonard’s recent failures to lead a team to the big stage. With such a massive verdict looming in his mind, it must have been difficult for Leonard to focus on his craft. Even though Leonard couldn’t play the last two games due to injury, this provides a different perspective to Stephen A. Smith’s recent comments.
Stephen A. Smith called out Kawhi Leonard
Hours before the news surfaced, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith had publicly expressed his displeasure with Kawhi Leonard’s performance. A frustrated Smith called out Leonard due to his repeated absence and said, “Kawhi Leonard should be on the list of one of the worst superstars this game has ever seen.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: ??Latest LeBron James news leaves 60 million worth businessman and thousands of fans speechless?
Given the private person that he is, Leonard has remained silent on the matter. As of now, the franchise is yet to announce Leonard’s comeback.