LA Clippers: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Portland

3. LA Clippers Takeaway: Kawhi Leonard doesn’t miss a beat

After missing two games for a mouth laceration that required eight stitches, Kawhi Leonard returned to the starting lineup albeit with a new mask.

Of course, the internet had fun with Leonard’s new look, citing Bane and Hannibal Lecter. Leonard’s teammates even resorted to calling him Leatherface, the villain from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

While Kawhi may have looked different, he still played like his typical self. Despite missing the two games and probably still sore and uncomfortable in the mask, Leonard put up a game-high 28 points. He connected on three of his five attempts from deep and went to the line a team-high eight times, converting on seven of them. As previously mentioned, he led the team with seven assists and also led them defensively with three steals.

Leonard looks spry in the young season and poised to take this Clipper team places.

The LA Clippers start 2021 with a game on Friday against the Utah Jazz. Make sure to check back here for all coverage for that game and the rest of the season!