How the Clippers All-Stars made an impact in limited minutes

On Sunday night, the NBA presented its 73rd All-Star Game from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, the annual showcase of the league's best players. Representing the LA Clippers throughout the star-studded event were Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, each earning a reserve spot among the Western Conference All-Stars.

Despite the depth the West boasted, the East came away with a 211-186 victory, winning the first matchup in the NBA's return to its original East versus West All-Star Game format. The win was the East's first since 2014, ending a three-game streak for the West from 2015 to 2017.

Paul George was met with heightened attention throughout the weekend as the return to Indiana allowed those who rooted for him during his days with the Pacers to give him his flowers as he made his ninth All-Star Game appearance.

As for Kawhi Leonard, the six-time All-Star's availability was uncertain due to a left adductor strain that held him out of the Clippers' last game before the break against the Golden State Warriors. Coach Tyronn Lue believes that Leonard's injury will not impact him long term, telling media members that he hopes to see Leonard back in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder following the All-Star break.

Grading Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's All-Star Game performances

As many Clippers fans had hoped for, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George had some much-deserved rest during All-Star weekend. LA's co-stars each played a game-low 10 minutes, ending the night with a combined 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

George took the bulk of the shots between the Clippers representatives with nine total attempts, notching a pair of three-pointers and assisting LeBron James with a highlight alley oop in the second quarter. Despite his limited minutes, George turned in a solid performance.

After entering the game for George at the 5:44 mark of the second quarter, Leonard played the remainder of the first half. Likely due to his injury concerns, he was replaced by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to begin the third quarter and did not appear in the remainder of the game.

Leonard finished the night with five points on 2-of-4 shooting. His team-high in plus minus is indicative of his impact while on the floor but with his minutes restricted, Leonard was unable to make much of a difference in what ended up being a lopsided win for the Eastern Conference.

The Clippers will return to action on Thursday in a road clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder.