Kawhi Leonard Stats Tonight: How did the Clippers superstar fare against Minnesota Timberwolves (Jan. 6)
The LA Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard finally in the lineup, took another crack at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. LA, 0-2 in the season series, hoped to break through against their tormentors.
The Claw had eight points, two assists and one steal in the first quarter to help the visiting Clippers to a 27-16 lead. Leonard also did his part in containing Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards on the defensive end.
Leonard couldn't sustain his impressive opening quarter and ended the first half with eight points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. He helped the LA Clippers take a 53-46 advantage heading into the second half.
Kawhi Leonard had a forgettable third quarter. He missed all three attempts to score and committed a turnover. Ty Lue took out the two-time NBA Finals MVP for Amir Coffey with 7:21 in the period.
The LA Clippers engaged the hosts in a seesaw battle in the fourth quarter, but Lue kept Leonard on the bench. They were determined to manage his load after the veteran forward appeared in only his second game of the season.
Leonard watched from the bench as the Clippers blew a 19-point lead to lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106.
The LA Clippers are strictly monitoring Kawhi Leonard's minutes
On Saturday, Kawhi Leonard made his season debut for the LA Clippers. He finished the game with 12 points, three rebounds and one assist as his team won 131-105. Leonard shot 4-for-11, including 3-for-5 from deep. Unsurprisingly, the Clippers limited him to 19 minutes.
Leonard's second appearance lasted 21 minutes, including a no-show in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Clippers coach Ty Lue refused to let The Claw return even as the Timberwolves erased a 19-point deficit. The former San Antonio Spurs star tallied eight points, two rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes.
Los Angeles faces another tough road game on Wednesday when they visit Mile High City for a matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Leonard will likely be in limited action when his team battles Nikola Jokic and Co.