When Kawhi Leonard is there, all is better for the Los Angeles Clippers. In his absence, his teammates took an absolutely historic rouste: a loss of 51 points against the Dallas Mavericks (73-124). But as shameful as it is, this humiliation should not make us forget that Californians are starting the season quite well.
By beating the Portland Trail Blazers last night (128-105), they clinched their fourth victory in five games. Another convincing success after having notably triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers or the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers are clearly on the right pace for now. And even more so when Leonard is in the field.
Kawhi Leonard, a nudge that leaves traces …
He was making his comeback after missing the last two games. And for good reason, the double NBA champion had his jaw exploded by Serge Ibaka, author of an involuntary nudge in the face of his teammate. So he was playing with a mask last night.
” It’s a little difficult “, confess the All-Star winger. “I try to protect the stitches so they don’t get touched. I try to protect my lips, my cheeks and my jaw. “
Difficult to go to contact in these conditions. Moreover, Kawhi Leonard was quite shy during the first minutes of the match before gaining confidence and aggressiveness after the break. Even being uncomfortable, he posted 28 points and 7 assists. A crack. His presence makes all the difference for the Angelenos.
He’s the superstar who dictates everything else. Paul George also performed well with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists while Nicolas batum and Serge Ibaka finished at 11 points each. After getting the job done, Leonard even allowed himself to make jokes.
“My teammates call me ‘leatherface’. They make fun of me. But Serge can’t talk too much. We put it on the transfer market. So if anyone wants, he can contact us. We’re trying to free him. “
The atmosphere looks a lot better at the Clippers this season. And that can change everything compared to last year …
The @LAClippers improve to 4-1 behind Kawhi Leonard’s 28 PTS, 7 AST! # KiaTipOff20 pic.twitter.com/lsjMqs6nlU
– NBA (@NBA) December 31, 2020
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