LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard made his Clippers debut on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center, as he finished with 7 points and six assist on 50% shooting from the field.
The 111-91 loss to the Nuggets is minuet in comparison to the cheers of many fans that witnessed Leonard take the court for the first time in a Clippers uniform with hopes of him leading the franchise to their first ever NBA championship in June.
“I’m thinking about what can happen, what’s going to happen and being able to play at Staples Center 45 minutes away from my home where I grew up,” Leonard said. “It’s exciting. Once I step on the floor, it’s lock-in time.”
Teammates such as Montrezl Harrell, Landry Shamet were thoroughly impressed by not only his play making ability but they described him as “the best player in the world.”
Leonard sat out the first two preseason games against the Houston Rockets and Shanghai Sharks for rest purposes. Leonard only played a the first half on Thursday and according to head coach Doc Rivers, Leonard will not play on Sunday.
Leonard sat out the first two preseason games against the Houston Rockets and Shanghai Sharks for rest purposes. Leonard only played a the first half on Thursday and according to head coach Doc Rivers, Leonard will not play on Sunday.
“He just needs minutes. His health is fine,” Rivers said. “But when you don’t play a lot of pick up games, you lose your rhythm and you need your rhythm back.”
Rest assure Leonard and the Clippers will be ready for opening night on October 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers when the season counts.
