Leonard’s Return
The Clippers’ star, Kawhi Leonard, made a comeback in Game 2 against the Mavericks after missing several games due to a knee injury. However, despite his return, Leonard struggled on the court, scoring only 15 points on 7-of-17 shooting in 35 minutes of play.
Disappointing Outcome
Following Leonard’s return, the Clippers had hoped for a victory to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. Unfortunately, they fell short, losing to the Mavericks by a narrow margin of 3 points. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with an impressive performance, contributing 32 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds.
Leonard’s Struggles
Despite his efforts, Leonard’s performance in his first game back from injury was below expectations. He missed all five of his attempted three-point shots and ended up with the lowest plus-minus rating among the Clippers’ starters. Leonard acknowledged the difficulty of the game and emphasized the need for improvement.
George’s Performance
While Leonard struggled, Paul George and James Harden led the Clippers in scoring with 22 points each. However, George’s individual performance was overshadowed by the team’s loss. Moreover, George’s inability to win Game 2 in the playoffs has persisted for a decade, dating back to his time with the Pacers.
Patience with Leonard
Reflecting on Leonard’s return and the team’s loss, George emphasized the importance of giving Leonard time to regain his form. He acknowledged Leonard’s status as one of the best players in the world and expressed confidence that Leonard would soon find his rhythm. Additionally, George stressed the need for the team to adapt and support Leonard in his recovery process. (Lvbet)
