Kawhi Leonard’s Shocking Departure: Back Spasms Force Early Exit in Clippers’ Loss!
Kawhi Leonard, during Tuesday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the standout player for the Los Angeles Clippers, encountered an unexpected setback. After completing just one quarter of play, Kawhi was forced to exit the game due to back spasms. This development was confirmed by the team’s announcement, stating that he would not return to the court.
In the limited time he spent on the floor, Leonard managed to contribute six points, along with two rebounds and two assists. It’s worth noting that he had also missed the previous game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to left groin soreness.
Viewers of the TNT broadcast observed Kawhi making his way back to the Clippers’ locker room during the second quarter, and subsequently re-emerging dressed in street clothes.
Despite being listed on the injury report prior to the game with groin soreness, Leonard was deemed fit to start. However, his early departure undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance.
Although the Clippers initially held a comfortable lead, the Timberwolves staged an impressive comeback after Kawhi’s exit, narrowing the gap significantly. Nonetheless, Los Angeles maintained a lead of 63–55 at halftime.
Throughout this season, Leonard has been a key contributor, averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Over his illustrious 12-year NBA career, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the court, averaging 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 685 games, with 656 of those being starts.
