{"id":132889,"date":"2025-04-06T06:30:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T10:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=132889"},"modified":"2025-04-06T05:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T09:59:13","slug":"kawhi-leonard-must-excel-playoffs-past-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/06\/kawhi-leonard-must-excel-playoffs-past-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"Kawhi Leonard Must Excel in Playoffs Despite Past Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Clippers are closing in on the playoffs, but they need all the help they can get. Kawhi Leonard<\/a>\u2019s play and health may decide that. Leonard has steadily grown into the star player that the Clippers have wanted to see since his major knee injury. Over the past few weeks, Leonard has shown signs of his past self on the offensive end of the ball. On the other side, he is still one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Especially in a defense led by head assistant Jeff Van Gundy, Leonard has fit in very well in the system<\/a>. Altogether, the Clippers have an opportunity to get the best out of Leonard for a deep run for the playoffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kawhi Leonard Must Excel in Playoffs Despite Past Injuries<\/h2>\n

This season may not look like how a prime Kawhi Leonard would perform, but he is still getting the job done. Leonard is averaging 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting close to 50% from the floor. It has been a different story over the past few weeks though, as Leonard has brought his game to another level. The Clippers have been enjoying the production he has brought since returning to the lineup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leonard is having a great stretch of performances as of late. Over the past ten games<\/a>, Leonard has averaged 26.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The efficiency has been stellar as well, shooting 56.6% from the field, 52.0% from the arc, and 92.3% from the free-throw line. The message is clear for Leonard, as the increase in numbers is crucial for LA as the playoffs inch closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Kawhi comes into tonight <\/p>\n

20+ in 10 straight games
25-7-3 on 52\/41\/78 over his last 15
Clips 12-3 in their last 15pic.twitter.com\/TxGOL5XNas<\/a><\/p>\n

— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) April 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n