In a dramatic twist, the Los Angeles Clippers now trail 2-1 against the Dallas Mavericks despite a promising playoff kickoff. Despite shooting nearly 46% from the field in Game 3, the Clippers were hindered by a whopping 19 turnovers, fueling doubts about their ability to keep their grip on the game. Kawhi Leonard’s lackluster performance, mustering only 9 points in 25 minutes with 4 turnovers, suggested a deeper problem plaguing him all season – his persistent knee injury. As the Clippers strive to reverse their fortunes, all eyes are on whether Leonard overcome injury and lead his team to redemption.
Can Leonard Overcome Injury to Propel Team to Victory?
Ahead of Game 4 at the American Airlines Center, the Clippers have declared Leornard as “Questionable”, with inflammation right knee being the reported cause. This issue has continuously been “nagging” a rough March for the past nine consecutive games in the regular season, including game one against the Mavericks. His injury nagging as he stumbles in throughout, the 2 times Finals MVP hardly stands a chance, even though he valiantly fought to keep up. What is noticeable in his otherwise commendable surgical season where he made 68 appearances.
Leonard being hypothetically placed on the court, beside his presence, it can just be whispered that he may be having the restraint of the minutes, which only leads to more uncertainty of his performance. Fans used to demand ‘Leonard’ to show magical moments that they trust will bring them victory. Now they come in seeing ‘Leonard’ is struggling with something frustrating that makes them confusing why their team brings him back. In particular with the team seeming not to have an offense plan after his return, some are perplexed by whether the risk even outweighs the reward.
Coolly, nevertheless, it’s not only Leonard’s expenses that are put under the scrutiny. The Clippers have shown vulnerabilities and cracks in their defense, which mainly proved to be a super-effective pincer for the direct-aiming Mavericks advantage of the system’s minute flaws especially in the pick and roll situations. Although players such as James Harden have shown persistent presence, the team as a whole has been unable to find its stride, putting the squad into an uncomfortable position of questioning whether it is truly capable of navigating the adverse situation.
The Clippers have a day to regroup in a must match in Game 4. Their eyes are on the athlete who cannot play games and the world is watching the developments. The winning streak of the series is in danger, now the team will be put on the horn of dilemma that is worth the fight of making it out of the playoffs.
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