Leonard sits Game 2 vs. Warriors, questionable for Game 3
Kawhi Leonard won't be making any sort of surprising, heroic return to the San Antonio Spurs' lineup Tuesday night at Oracle Arena, as the All-NBA forward was ruled out for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals with a sprained left ankle.
Leonard, who had previously injured the ankle during San Antonio's second-round series against Houston, left Game 1 against Golden State with the Spurs up 23 points midway through the third quarter after landing on Warriors big man Zaza Pachulia's foot.
The Warriors went on to win the series opener, and after ripping Pachulia's antics Monday, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich ruled Leonard out, only for the team to later list Leonard as doubtful. The MVP candidate is now officially out, but Popovich said Leonard will likely be listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 3 in San Antonio, which comes after both teams get three days off.
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Leonard is averaging 27.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.7 steals on an absurdly efficient 53-46-93 shooting line through 14 playoff games this spring.