Kawhi Leonard reflects on hitting the game-winner in his comeback: “I don’t think nobody loves playing any more than me”
Kawhi Leonard made a sensational return to the court by hitting a game-winning shot in the LA Clippers' 119-117 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Leonard enjoyed the moment and expressed his love for the game after the hard fought win.
Leonard missed the last seven games after sustaining a sprained ankle in the Clippers' 121-114 win against the Utah Jazz on November 21st. He made a successful comeback against the Hornets on Monday, dropping 16 points and six rebounds on 46.7% shooting.
It was a close game down the stretch. The teams were tied at 117 points apiece with 1.4 seconds left on the game clock when Leonard sank the game-winning shot from midrange. Here's what "The Klaw" said after the game about his return (via Andrew Greif):
"It felt good to be back. I love this game of basketball. I don’t think nobody loves playing any more than me. … I love this game and it gives me joy when I’m able to play and I mean, that ending was just great."
Kawhi told reporters in Charlotte: "It felt good to be back. I love this game of basketball. I don’t think nobody loves playing any more than me. … I love this game and it gives me joy when I’m able to play and I mean, that ending was just great."
Kawhi Leonard has struggled with his shot this season. He has made only 42.2% of his shots in his limited playing time. A game-winner would certainly help his confidence and rhythm going forward. The Hornets' game has arguably been one of his best so far. Leonard got to his spot and looked comfortable for the most part.
The Clippers will be hoping he can use this momentum. LA improved to 14-11 for the year and will be eager to extend their winning record as the season enters a crucial phase.
Kawhi Leonard says he would have preferred to close out the game early
The LA Clippers had a solid chance to wrap up the game against the Charlotte Hornets early. They held a comfortable eight-point lead at one stage in the fourth quarter but couldn't hold onto it. However, the Clippers had their best player Kawhi Leonard bail them out in the clutch.
The two-time finals MVP said it was great that he made the shot, but he would've preferred to close out the Hornets early. Here's what Leonard said (via Tomer Azarly):
"It was great that I was able to make that shot, but you know me. We were up 8-9 points the whole game, I would rather close it out than have it us finish that game out like that, but it was a good fourth quarter and we were able to get the win."
"It was great that I was able to make that shot, but you know me. We were up 8-9 points the whole game, I would rather close it out than have it us finish that game out like that, but it was a good fourth quarter and we were able to get the win."
Kawhi Leonard on his game-winner
The Clippers should've ideally closed out the shorthanded Hornets, who played without LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. However, LA has struggled to win games comprehensively due to the lack of chemistry between their core group.
Kawhi Leonard has missed 19 games, while Paul George has missed nine. The two superstars need to be frequently available so the rest of the group can identify their roles when the roster is healthy. The Clippers may struggle against stronger opponents if Leonard and George fail to stay healthy for long stretches.
Also read: “What the hell are we calling Kawhi Leonard, Pajamas?” - Former NBA champion calls out Kawhi Leonard’s lack of game time