Clippers striker Kawhi Leonard, on the right, shoots the Dallas Mavericks striker Anthony Davis, during the first half of the clippers’ victory on Saturday in Intuits Dome. (Mark J. Terrall / Associated Press)
They all realize what is at stake and that having a healthy Kawhi Leonard gives clippers their best chance of winning now when it matters so much in the rustled West.
So when Leonard played the second night of consecutive matches this season and his first in more than a year against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, it was clear how important this game was for the Clippers.
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When Clippers coach, Tyronn Lue, said: “We are fighting for our lives” and that “at the moment, we need all hands on the bridge”, it was clear that they were doing everything in their power to stay alive for the sixth seed, the place of automatic playoffs and avoid the NBA game tournament.
The Clippers are still looking for a place among the first six because their three Grands Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac were forces during their 135-104 Victory Above the Maverick in Intuit Dome.
Leonard collected 29 points and six rebounds in 25 minutes to help the Clippers win their fourth consecutive match. Harden had a double-double with 29 points and 14 assists.
Zubac had his 11th consecutive career match in career with 25 points and 10 rebounds, which gave him 4,238 boards as clipper and pushed him before Bob McAdoo for the unique possession of fifth place on the list of rebounds of all time in the franchise. Zubac was 11 for 11 shots on the ground while making his three free throws.
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Find out more: Desperate to avoid the game, the clippers blow from the Mavericks for the 10th victory in 12 games
Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 29 points and nine rebounds.
Again, the Clippers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Grizzlies of Memphis have records identical to 46-32, all half a game behind the golden state of the fifth seed in the West. Minnesota is the sixth seeded, the clippers the seventh and the Grizzlies the eighth depending on the gem of equality.
Leonard had missed the first 34 games of the season while recovering from a right knee injury. He played in his first game on January 4, but did not play in a consecutive competition until Saturday evening.
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“As I said, he tried to play in them, but we just understood that we did the right thing and that we were intelligent about it,” said Lue. “So the moment is there.”
Since Leonard only played 24 minutes on Friday evening here against the Mavericks, he was well rested and had not put a lot of stress on his body.
This made the decision much easier for Leonard to play in his first consecutive match since March 24 to 25 against the 76ers of Philadelphia and Indiana, respectively.
“In fact, he wanted to do it,” said Lue. “We just wanted to make sure it was right. The doctor wanted to make sure he was checking each box and we assure (we put it) in the best position. We didn’t want to risk anything. Kawhi tried to do it for some time now, playing in the back, but our medical staff was really careful and made sure that everything was fine. So, this evening is right and we’re going to go.”
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The Clippers have two days off before welcoming San Antonio on Tuesday evening. The last Clippers’ home game is Wednesday evening against the Rockets in another consecutive game game.
“I think the two days could have had something to do with it,” said Lue. “I’m not sure. But I know he feels good. ”
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
