LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard returned Tuesday night for Game 2 of the team’s first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 15 points in a 96-93 loss.
Leonard hadn’t played since March 31, missing the final eight games of the regular season and Sunday’s Game 1 victory due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.
His return Tuesday was announced by coach Ty Lue about two hours before the announcement. Leonard played 35 minutes in the loss, adding 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists and a block as the Clippers watched the Mavericks even in a best-of-seven series at 1.
The third game will take place Friday in Dallas.
Leonard had participated in practices, including Monday’s, leading up to Game 2. When asked if Leonard had any contact before returning, Lue said his star checked all the boxes for a safe return , but added that contact would take place during Game 2.
Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank described Leonard’s inflammation as “unpredictable” and “stubborn” last week.
Leonard entered Game 2 averaging 32.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the playoffs against Dallas. He has played 68 games this season, his most since the 2016-17 season with the Spurs.
