SEATTLE — After waiting 476 days to get back into action, Kawai Leonard It only took 15 seconds to fire the 3-pointer and drill.
In his first game in over 15 months, Leonard began his return to the court with his first shot from behind the arc before the Clippers’ 102-97 preseason win over Seattle’s Portland Trail Blazers led to 11 points. Finished with a point and 4 rebounds.Monday Night Climate Pledge Arena
Leonard said it was ‘amazing’ to play again for the first time since tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in Game 4 of the Clippers’ second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz on June 14, 2021. . After 14, 16 months of hard work, it was nice to be able to play against NBA talent.
“I missed it just by being with everyone and talking. It was a great experience for me.”
Leonard played just 16 minutes in the first half as Clippers coach Ty Lu chose to play only half the starter.Same script applies to point guard John Wallreturned from a year off and had 5 points and 3 assists off the bench.
The Clippers played their second straight game in Seattle after defeating Israel’s Maccabi La’Anana on Friday. But it felt like this game was a little more than a typical preseason game, with Leonard’s return and Wall’s debut, plus a Seattle-flavoured crowd.
With the NBA back in town, Seattle basketball went all out with Lenny Wilkens. Sean Kemp, Gary Payton, Detlef Schrempf, Jamal Crawford When Sam Perkins among those in attendance as fans chanted “Sonics” several times.
The Clippers have been waiting for over a year to see Leonard back on the floor with two assists and two stolen bases.
“It was fun because it’s PG. [Paul George] asked me if there was foam before the game [in] Stomach,” Leonard said.maybe a little [chicken] Wings are floating there. [But] It felt like going into any other match today. ”
Leonard said he was “definitely much stronger” after spending over 13 months in the gym. The timing will come.
Most importantly, Leonard is back and healthy to finish the match.
“My body feels good,” said Leonard. “Obviously, I’m not going to play 35 minutes, 38 minutes to start, so it’s probably going to be a little shaky early on. But like I said, it’s a journey, it’s a process, That’s me… about.”
Wall didn’t get many opportunities to flash the speed that helped make him the fastest point guard in the game for several years.vie for the starting point guard position with Reggie Jackson, Wall came off the bench in his debut and gave the Clippers a glimpse of his pass. He passed a catch-and-shoot 3 and hit a wide open. Robert Covington At the top of the key for 3. On another play, Wall attacked the basket before finding the trailing centre. Moses Brownwho fiddled with the path that could have been the internal score.
Wall scored the only goal with a three-pointer late in the first half.
“I could show off [the speed] When asked about not having many opportunities to run on halfcourt, Wall said. Games… it’ll all come to me, it’s all easy, like I know I still have what I need. I think there is only one. ”
The Clippers hope Wall can help push the tempo further after finishing 19th in pace of play last season. said to start.
And Leonard said he plans to play the next preseason game five days apart.
“Uncomfortably, Kawhi, I thought he was a little tired,” Lou said. “But he hit some shots as usual, but just seeing him on the floor makes a big difference for our team.”
