Kawhi misses Game 3 due to knee sprain
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 3 clash against the Phoenix Suns due to a right knee sprain, the team announced, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
Leonard is expected to be day-to-day, a source told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. He reportedly aggravated the knee injury in the series opener and played through the ailment for the subsequent contest.
The two-time Finals MVP's injury isn't related to the torn ACL he sustained in the 2021 postseason, Wojnarowski adds.
Leonard led the Clippers to a shocking Game 1 win over the Suns, tallying 38 points, five boards, five assists, one steal, and one block. He followed that up with a 31-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist, three-steal performance Tuesday evening.
Leonard is now tied with Bob McAdoo for the most 30-point playoff games in franchise history, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Los Angeles is already without Paul George, who's reportedly likely to miss the entire first-round series against Phoenix.
The Clippers were 3-9 this season with Leonard and George sidelined.