Clippers Breathe Easy After Kawhi Leonard’s Scare in Return from Ankle Injury

The LA Clippers finally welcomed Kawhi Leonard back to the court after a 10-game absence, but the relief nearly proved short-lived. Late in Sunday night’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the All-NBA forward collided awkwardly with teammate John Collins, creating a moment of real concern for a team already battling injuries. For a few tense seconds, it looked as though Leonard’s return might be interrupted by yet another setback.

The collision occurred during a defensive possession in the fourth quarter, sending both players to the floor and leaving each clutching a knee. Leonard rose slowly and signaled toward the bench almost immediately, a gesture that sent Clippers staff and fans into collective unease. His exit came just one possession later as he headed to the sideline for evaluation.

Once seated, Leonard began testing the joint, stretching, bending, and even mimicking one of his standard explosive box-jump motions to gauge stability and pain levels. His body language suggested confidence, and the forward appeared prepared to re-enter the contest after a brief examination.

By that time, however, head coach Tyronn Lue had already pulled his starters with the game effectively out of reach. Leonard remained on the bench, ending a night that started with optimism, dipped into worry, and ultimately settled somewhere closer to relief.

1. Leonard’s Performance and Immediate Postgame Reaction

Despite the late-game scare, Leonard’s on-court return showed little rust. He finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 26 minutes, providing efficient production across all phases of the game. His shooting touch was sharp as well—6-of-13 from the field, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free throw line. For the Clippers, the performance reinforced how heavily Leonard influences their offensive rhythm and defensive pressure. His ability to score at all three levels, operate in isolation, and command opposing attention remains the backbone of their system. After the game, Leonard confirmed that he felt fine physically, offering his typically understated assessment of the situation. Even historically, the forward has tended to downplay discomfort, so his words provided reassurance but not definitive clarity. “Good, good. I felt good out there,” Leonard said. “We know what we need to do, so just got to go out there and do it.” His tone matched the calm confidence he maintains regardless of circumstance—a steadying presence for a team riding an uneven health stretch.

2. Injury Update: No Setbacks for Leonard or Collins

By Monday, the Clippers’ medical report brought welcome news. Neither Leonard nor Collins appeared on the injury list, indicating that both avoided structural damage and are expected to be available for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Lakers. For a team managing early-season absences, confirmation that two starters emerged unscathed marked an important development. The team’s relief was balanced by one setback: DeAndre Ayton was ruled out with a knee contusion suffered during the Clippers’ recent win over Utah. His absence removes a key interior presence and forces the Clippers to adjust their frontcourt rotation. Still, Leonard’s clean bill of health provides essential stability. In seven games this season, he has averaged 23.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.6 steals while posting elite efficiency—50 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three, and a near-perfect 96.9 percent at the line. Those numbers underline both his importance and the magnitude of avoiding another injury interruption. With Leonard active, the Clippers maintain their capacity to control pace, generate half-court offense, and compete at a level that aligns with their postseason expectations.

3. Looking Ahead to the Lakers Matchup

Tuesday’s NBA Cup showdown against the Lakers now comes with renewed confidence. Leonard’s return bolsters the Clippers on both ends, while Collins’ availability helps preserve lineup flexibility against a deep and physical Lakers frontcourt. The Clippers will still need to compensate for Ayton’s absence, particularly in rim protection and rebounding. The Lakers-Clippers rivalry routinely delivers elevated energy, and Leonard’s presence ensures the Clippers can lean into their preferred style—methodical offense, strong defensive rotations, and late-game execution. His perimeter scoring and midrange reliability remain central to their strategy. The team also views the matchup as an opportunity to re-establish rhythm after an injury-disrupted stretch. With Leonard back, the Clippers can test rotations, reintroduce familiar offensive sets, and tighten defensive communication. For now, the most important outcome is simple: the Clippers avoided a major injury scare and enter Tuesday’s contest with their franchise cornerstone available and trending upward.