As the LA Clippers suffered a single-elimination loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, Kawhi Leonard did not play well, particularly in the second half. He was doing everything right until the break, but right as action returned, Draymond Green had him figured out to a T. That is how Leonard’s tenure with the Clippers may have come to an end, which brings the utmost pain.
In fact, Leonard basically went scoreless in the third and fourth quarters. He did have a freebie in the final seconds, but by then the game was already decided, and the Warriors did not see it as worth contesting the shot.
Though Leonard finished with 21 points, this game will be remembered by fans as the one in which he was a complete non-factor when the Clippers needed him most.
Kawhi Leonard struggled to get to his spots all night long
From start to finish, it was clear that the Golden State Warriors read every detail on Kawhi Leonard's scouting report. They were aware of his aggressive finishing, mid-range tactics, and increased volume from beyond the arc.
As a result, a jacket was put on everything Leonard tried to generate with the ball in his hands. He could not grab any momentum, which forced others like Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland to step up.
This explains the five turnovers, 1-6 shooting from three-point land, and a low-scoring night for a player of his caliber.
The Warriors were also aware of the advantage they would create for themselves by throwing a swarm of defenders at Leonard: fatigue. A player, especially one who is on the verge of turning 35, only has so much in the tank before the physical stress of a high-intensity game takes a toll and becomes a factor.
It was visible how exhausted the two-time champion was at several points late in the game, and that impacted the outcome.
Additionally, part of the blame has to fall on Tyronn Lue. No matter what the Warriors had planned for Leonard, it’s the coach’s job to adjust on the fly for his superstar and draw up plays that are designed to have a higher success rate.
Had Leonard even gotten the slightest bit of rhythm going for himself, the Clippers could’ve easily come out on top. They had the lead for most of the game, and because LA lost by five, a few more points from the franchise superstar would have been the ultimate difference-maker.
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