The LA Clippers have finally begun to turn a corner. After looking dead in the water for several weeks, James Harden's four-point play put an end to the Clippers' misery and snapped their six-game losing streak. Now, LA will be looking for a season-best third straight win on Wednesday night in San Antonio.
It has been the improved chemistry of the Clippers' star players that has allowed them to make strides and start putting things together on the court. But as we celebrate LA's improved performance, we must remember that their improvement is only a product of everyone being healthy enough to play.
The Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era for the Clippers has unfortunately been marked by untimely injuries and significant missed time for the two stars. But incredibly, the Clippers' two best players have yet to miss a game this season.
Assuming they both play against the Spurs on Wednesday, Leonard and George are about to tie their record for most games played together since arriving in Los Angeles.
Since they're not on the injury report tomorrow, it appears that Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are on track to equal their most consecutive games played together, which came in the 2020 bubble playoffs (13). The duo has already played 327:36 together this regular season. https://t.co/oSHkSFwKmW
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) November 21, 2023
Kawhi and PG's improved health has them on verge of big milestone
This is a remarkable achievement for two players who have been the victim of such bad injury luck in recent years. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have already shared the floor for over 300 minutes so far this season.
If they both suit up Wednesday, they will tie their record of 13 consecutive games played together that was set back in the NBA Bubble in 2020. Kawhi and PG both being on the floor is obviously the biggest key to the Clippers achieving their potential, and this clean bill of health they have seen to begin the year is the best scenario fans could have asked for.
Availability is the best ability, as the saying goes. If Leonard and George can continue avoiding significant injury as the season wears on, it will go a long way toward the Clippers going deep in the playoffs.