LA Clippers like their chances against Denver Nuggets with Kawhi Leonard healthy
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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon and guard Russell Westbrook guards in the fourth quarter during Game 2.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – Kawhi Leonard’s resume is filled with stellar post-season performances and he has twice been named the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
His troublesome right knee has hindered him in recent seasons, but he is back in top form as the Los Angeles Clippers prepare for Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series against the visiting Denver Nuggets on April 24 (April 25, Singapore time).
Leonard poured in 39 points as Los Angeles evened the best-of-seven series at a game apiece with a 105-102 victory in Denver on April 21. It marked the 36th time he has scored 30 or more points in a play-off game.
He is averaging 30.5 points on 70.6 per cent shooting (24 of 34) through the first two games of the series.
“I’m just happy that I’m able to move and coming out the game feeling well,” Leonard said.
“That’s what I’m taking my pride in, just being healthy. I’ve sat and watched these play-off games for the past few years. So being able to be in the front line out there, it just feels good for me, no matter which way the game goes.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue sees the difference in having a healthy Leonard who can just focus on the game and not be derailed by physical issues.
“This is what Kawhi lives for, getting healthy for the play-offs,” he said. “We know if we’ve got a healthy Kawhi, we can win any series.”
The fifth-seeded Clippers play the next two games at home after splitting in Denver. James Harden is also playing well, with averages of 25 points and nine assists.
The fourth-seeded Nuggets were sloppy in Game 2 and committed 20 turnovers.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic committed seven turnovers to take the shine off his 19th career play-off triple-double. He had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“This series has had a great two games, and if you are a basketball fan, this is the best basketball you can watch,” Jokic said.
In play-off action on April 23, Jaylen Brown scored 36 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 109-100 home victory over the Orlando Magic, seizing a 2-0 advantage in their Eastern Conference series.
Cleveland held off the visiting Miami Heat 121-112 as Donovan Mitchell scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and the Cavaliers also took a 2-0 series edge.
In Houston, Jalen Green scored 38 points as the Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 109-94 to level their Western series at 1-1. REUTERS, AFP
