Kawhi Leonard made his much-anticipated season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Atlanta Hawks after missing 34 games due to a knee injury.
Injury Comeback
Leonard's last game was on April 26 during the 2024 playoffs. The Clippers were eliminated in the first round after losing to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
Minutes Restriction
Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard will play limited minutes to ease him back into action. "This is like his preseason," said Lue.
Previous Setback
Leonard played 68 games last season but missed 12 of the last 14 due to knee inflammation. He has missed 290 games over the past eight years.
Olympic Disappointment
Leonard was also pulled from the USA Basketball camp last summer when his knee was deemed unfit by the coaching staff.
Terance Mann Returns
Guard Terance Mann also made a return after missing 10 games due to a broken finger. His presence boosts the Clippers' depth.
Clippers’ Current Record
The Clippers entered the game with a 19-15 record, holding the 7th spot in the Western Conference standings.
Adjusting Roles
Coach Lue said it may take a few games to find the right rotations. "We’ll figure out who plays best together as we move forward," he shared.