Kawhi Leonard did not play for the Los Angeles Clippers in Thursday night's 129-124 home loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 3 of the Western Conference Playoff Series.
Has a right knee sprain that got worse at the end of the first game last Sunday, according to Lawrence Frank,
President of Basketball Operations. Leonard played it in Game 2 but the injury didn't improve, which sidelined him.
"He's desperate, he absolutely has to play," said Frank before the game. "He is very disappointed.
Kawhi Leonard injury
Leonard's absence leaves the Clippers without their two-star players against the Sun's trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul.
Paul George has not played since spraining his right knee at a game on March 21. He continues his rehabilitation.
"I feel sorry for Kawhi because he's worked so hard to get to this point," said coach Tyronn Lue. “All the guys need to raise the bar and understand it.
We're locked in, focused, and ready to play.” Norman Powell led the Clippers with a career-high 42 points on 15 of 23 shots. Russell Westbrook added 30 points and 11 assists.
Game 4 takes place in Los Angeles on Saturday (9 p.m.).ET, TNT). Overall, the Clippers fell to 3-10 that season as Leonard and George dropped from the lineup.
Leonard watched Game 3 in casual wear from the bench and didn't get stuck in the arena.
Kawhi Leonard injury
average 34.5 points, 6th5 rebounds, and six assists in the first two games of a best-of-seven streak in a 1-1 tie.
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