Kawhi misses Game 4 win over Mavs, series return uncertain
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard wasn't in the lineup for Sunday's Game 4 tilt against the Dallas Mavericks due to knee inflammation.
Despite blowing a 31-point lead, the Clippers were able to eke out a 116-111 victory without Leonard.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank says he doesn't know when Leonard will return to the lineup, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
Frank added the inflammation in the two-time Finals MVP's surgically repaired knee is "tricky."
"When you watch him play, it was very obvious that is not Kawhi Leonard," Frank told reporters Sunday prior to tipoff.
Leonard missed the final eight contests of the regular season as well as the team's playoff opener due to the ailment. He revealed Saturday the inflammation in his knee resurfaced after Game 2.
Despite not being 100%, Leonard vocalized his desire to suit up for Sunday's crucial tilt.
Leonard averaged 12 points, eight boards, two assists, and two steals over his pair of appearances in the opening round. He played just 24 minutes in Game 3.
"We have confidence we can win the series. That's how we're made," head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters ahead of Game 4, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
The best-of-seven series is now tied at two games apiece. Game 5 will take place in L.A. on Wednesday night.