Clippers Are Out Of The 2023 Playoffs: What Does Kawhi Leonard & Paul Georg’s Injuries Mean For Future Championship?

The Phoenix Suns were prepared to wrap up the first-round series going into Game 5 against the Los Angeles Clippers. The feisty Clippers battled and clawed their way through the full 48 minutes despite being down Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, ultimately losing 136-130.

Clippers Are Out Of The 2023 Playoffs

Even though Phoenix had a strong first quarter led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Clippers led by 70-61 at the break. Ivica Zubac and Marcus Morris Sr. each scored ten points, with Norman Powell taking the lead with sixteen.

Even in the last few seconds, it looked like the Clippers would win the game and force a Game 6 in their home city.

Phoenix started the third quarter well. The Suns quickly managed to reduce their deficit to one point before taking the lead outright. For the Clippers, who finished the third quarter down 17 points, it was a tragic turn of events.

When their two stars were out, Leonard and George’s struggling teammates were helpless to rescue them because they were unable to fill the offensive hole. The Clippers also suffered on defence. Devin Booker finished the game with 47 points after appearing to collect every rebound he wanted.

What Does Kawhi Leonard & Paul Georg’s Injuies Mean For Future Championship Title?

The latest regarding the LA Clippers star was recently discussed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Kawhi Leonard reportedly tore the meniscus in his right knee, according to sources. Only two games against the Phoenix Suns in the first round were played before the two-time Finals MVP had to be benched.

In 2019, after losing a 3-1 series lead against the Nuggets in the West Semifinals, LA may have wasted its greatest opportunity to win the 2020 NBA Playoffs within the NBA “Bubble” with Leonard healthy.

Prior to sustaining a partly torn ACL in the West Semifinals of 2021, Leonard was (again) posing as one of the league’s most dreadful playoff players.

Leonard’s ACL injury forced him to miss the whole 2021–22 season as he healed.

Due to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, George was forced to miss their win-or-go-home Play-In game in 2021–2022.

There was anticipation that George might return to help avoid elimination now that Kawhi Leonard was injured. But it doesn’t appear to be the case. Should the Clippers manage to pull off a spectacular 3-1 comeback against the Suns, George may perhaps return in the second round, according to CBS Sports.

George recently said on his podcast that he has been making every effort to return to the court as soon as possible:

“I’ve been feeling better … been working my butt off, grinding literally every day. Six days out of the week, I’m training, doing rehab. I’m going to give it every chance I got, man.”

The Los Angeles Clippers’ season was shortly over with both of its players absent. In Game 5 on Tuesday night, the Phoenix Suns brought the series to a close. When Leonard could return to the field is uncertain given the severity of his injury.

 

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