What did Kawhi Leonard say about starting postseason without Paul George?
Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers are primed to make an appearance in the playoffs this season. However, with Paul George being a major piece missing from the rotation, Leonard shared his thoughts on the road ahead.
Kawhi Leonard had a strong performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Leonard led his squad to a much-needed victory(136-125) by scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
The Clippers will continue to fight in the hopes of avoiding the play-in round. LA is currently sixth in the West and appears to be in good shape heading into the playoffs. However, there will be some concerns because they are lacking in superstars.
Paul George's absence will certainly have a massive impact on the Clippers' title aspirations. The reality of the situation wasn't lost on Leonard, who expressed his thoughts on what the playoffs would be like without George on the floor. He said:
"It's gonna be tough. He's out, pretty much. So it's a challenge for all of us. But we've been doing it. Just going out there and being focused and trying to limit our mistakes as much as possible. That's all we can do."
Kawhi Leonard on starting postseason without Paul George:
"It's gonna be tough. He's out,pretty much. So it's a challenge for all of us." https://t.co/r55B9Gj3ba
Paul George sustained a right leg injury during the team's game against the OKC Thunder in late March. With a hyperextended knee, George was already expected to miss the rest of the regular season. However, recent updates suggest that he could be out for the early rounds of the playoffs as well.
The Clippers have managed to stay afloat with a 4-3 record since their superstar's unfortunate injury. However, with the playoffs around the corner, LA will have to rally its forces to keep its title aspirations alive.
Can Kawhi Leonard lead this LA Clippers' squad to a title?
The LA Clippers have featured an interesting assortment of players this season. LA, on paper, has one of the deepest rosters in the league. In this regard, having a superstar like Kawhi Leonard only adds to the overall quality of the team.
Leonard will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. However, he will have a tough time doing it alone. His ability to consistently stay on the floor will definitely be tested and so will his ability as a leader.
While there is no doubt about Kawhi Leonard's ability to perform in the playoffs, the Clippers may face some unfavorable situations early on. As things stand, LA is set to face off against the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
With a nightmare matchup on the cards early in the playoffs, the Clippers may struggle due to their shortage of star power.