By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ruling out Kawhi Leonard across the last three outings, the Los Angeles Clippers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in five games.
Leonard, 31, picked up a torn meniscus in his right knee and was shut down, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Missing the entire 2021-22 season was the aftermath of surgery to repair a partial tear of the ACL on the same knee.
Before the latest setback, the former San Diego State standout averaged 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest as the Clippers earned a 1-1 split in Phoenix. Losing three games without Leonard delivered the knockout to the team coached by Tyronn Lue.
Cleared to bounce back on the court after sitting out the 2021-22 season, the two-time NBA champion made his way to 52 games during the Regular Season producing 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. This was his fourth season as a member of his hometown Clippers and third as an active player since joining as an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
Selected with the 15th overall pick of the 2011 NBA draft, Leonard spent seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and was named Finals MVP in the 2014 championship run. Being traded to the Toronto Raptors with that spell lasting through the 2018-19 season and marked his second Finals MVP award combined with the lone championship for the franchise based in Canada.
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