The Clippers stated Wednesday there is”no timetable for his return.” Game 5 is Wednedsday at Salt Lake City; Game 6 of this show is Friday at Los Angeles.
It’s a huge setback for the Clippers, who have broken the first four games of the series with all the top-seeded Jazz and are attempting to achieve at the West finals for the first time in franchise history. Leonard is a two-time NBA Finals MVP, also is averaging 30.4 points on 57% shooting at the playoffs.
The Clippers were 11-9 with no Leonard throughout the normal season.
“I really don’t care about the Western Conference Finals,” Leonard said after Game 4 of this series from the Jazz. “I am trying to win a championship. I mean, of course that is another step, but I am not looking at this.”
Leonard was trickling to the lane when he had been bumped, along with his knee seemed to buckle slightly. He grimaced in certain distress, missed both free throws which were given after the filthy, but stayed in the game for 45 more minutes.
He checked out with 4:35 remaining and didn’t return; the Clippers led by 16 points once he checked out along with the lead stayed in double figures the rest of the way.
Game 7, if needed, will be back in Salt Lake City on Sunday.
