Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard Available for Game 2 Against Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard is set to make his return to the lineup for Tuesday’s playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks, as confirmed by head coach Tyronn Lue. Leonard had been sidelined for the last eight games of the regular season and Game 1 against the Mavericks due to knee inflammation.

“He’s checked every box, and the medical’s doing a great job just making sure he checks those boxes,” Lue said. “We’re never putting a guy on the floor that’s not ready to go, so he’s ready to go.”

Leonard’s availability for Game 2 comes as a relief for the Clippers, who managed to secure a convincing 109-97 victory in Game 1 despite his absence. James Harden stepped up with a 28-point performance, leading the team to a dominant first-half performance where they held the Mavericks to just 30 points on 22.5% shooting.

The return of Leonard, a six-time All-Star known for his exceptional two-way play, is expected to bolster the Clippers’ chances in the playoffs. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game this season, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

With Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers will look to build on their Game 1 success and take control of the series against the Mavericks. Fans in Los Angeles are eager to see their star player back on the court and making an impact in the postseason.