Kawhi Leonard makes candid statements after Heat-Clippers

On By Littum

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has only appeared in three games this season. Missing the first 34 games due to recovery from a right knee injury, Leonard has played three of the last four.

The one game Leonard missed in that stretch was due to personal reasons as he left Denver to be with his family affected by the Los Angeles fires. Since returning, Leonard has averaged just 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20.3 minutes per game. match.

Clippers head coach Ty Lue told reporters after Monday’s win over the Miami Heat that Leonard will have to play a certain amount of games before he gets more minutes.

Kawhi Leonard

January 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center. / Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Photos

For a two-time Finals MVP, it would seem hard to be this patient after already missing nearly half the season. That said, Leonard keeps things in perspective and doesn’t rush this process.

“I’m just playing and trying to do my job to help the team win, that’s all I do,” Leonard said Monday. “I feel good. As long as I feel good on the court, I’m able to move quickly, get to my spots, that’s all I’m looking for.”

When asked if he just wants to break through his minutes restriction, Leonard added, “No, I’m taking my time. I’ve done that in the past and it led to me sitting on the bench. I feel good, where I am.”

Leonard also said he can do everything he normally wants to do on the court, but he’s not pushing things as he and the team work together to build him up.

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