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Los Angeles — All-Star Clippers Due to back spasms, Kawhi Leonard departed the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena. It is unclear if he will be available for the team’s next road back-to-back.

According to the Clippers, Leonard was experiencing thoracic spasms. A source claims that Leonard chose to rest at home rather than endure uncomfortable seating at the arena.

Leonard has been addressing the problem for a few days, according to coach Tyronn Lue, and the team was unsure if its franchise player would be able to play against Minnesota. The Clippers fell 118-100 to the Wolves after blowing a 22-point lead after Leonard left.
Lue stated following the game, “Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning.” “However, he attended the warm-up, received some medical attention, completed his necessary tasks, and attempted to play today on the court. For him, it simply didn’t loosen up.”

When asked if Leonard will travel with the club on Wednesday for the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, as well as the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Lue replied that he wasn’t sure.

“I hope so,” Lue remarked.

Leonard played 12 minutes and scored 6 points before leaving the game on Tuesday. Before the half, he was seen on camera carefully leaving the arena.

Leonard’s healthiest season as a Clipper has begun; he has participated in 58 of 64 games thus far, which is a record for him since he joined the team in 2019.

There are other issues facing the Clippers besides Leonard’s injury, though. James Harden is recovering from a shoulder ailment. A left shoulder issue was noted on the injury report prior to his matchup with the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks this past weekend. After being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden has not missed a game this season since suiting up.

Harden remarked, “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.”

Leonard participated in the Clippers’ 112-102 victory over Chicago on Saturday. But on Sunday, he and teammate All-Star Paul George did not play in Milwaukee’s 124-117 loss. George sat with a sore left knee, and Leonard was held out because of discomfort in his left groin.

On Tuesday, they both went back to playing. Despite George’s 22 points in the end, the Clippers completely fell apart after Leonard left.

With 5:13 left in the first half, they were ahead 57-35 over Minnesota. However, by 4:10 in the fourth, the Wolves had outscored them 79-37, resulting in a 114-94 victory. Without their injured All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota prevailed in the season series.

Regarding the Clippers’ inability to win, Lue explained it by “just being mentally tough.” Even without KAT, they are a strong team. We can’t hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves because they will make runs. But simply toughening up psychologically when things aren’t going well. There are numerous areas where we fell short.”

The coach went on, “They played tougher than we did, for sure.” It certainly irritates me when it comes to it. simply developing mental toughness when things get difficult. You must become more resilient.We have the ability to discuss plans and many other topics, but we also need to improve both mentally and physically.”

The Wolves led 45–21 thanks to 30 points from Anthony Edwards and 25 from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets are deadlocked atop the Western Conference standings, with Minnesota trailing them by half a game.

In addition to Harden’s injury, the Clippers (41-23) sit fourth in the West, have lost their last two games, and are unsure about Leonard’s availability for their next trip.

George added, “We have to pick up the pieces.” “Give Kawhi as much time as he requires. All we need is for him to be well. However, we’ll pick it up and continue. Not every team has a man down like us.”