Skip to content

Spurs' Leonard to make season debut vs. Mavericks

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

"The Claw" is coming back.

Kawhi Leonard will make his 2017-18 regular-season debut Tuesday night when the San Antonio Spurs play the Dallas Mavericks, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.

Head coach Gregg Popovich will have Leonard on a minutes restriction at American Airlines Center in the two-time Defensive Player of the Year's first action after recovering from a quad injury.

San Antonio has gone 19-8 in Leonard's absence, good enough for third in the Western Conference and fourth in the Association. Even without their best defender, the Spurs rank third in defensive efficiency, allowing just 101.1 points per 100 possessions.

Leonard finished third in NBA Most Valuable Player voting in 2016-17 after averaging career highs in points (25.5) and assists (3.5), along with 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 48.5 percent shooting for the 61-win Spurs.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox