Clippers' Kawhi Leonard leaves game with back spasms

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th March, 23:44 2024

Mar 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) loses the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after one quarter, and the team later said he would not return due to back spasms.

Leonard, 32, played all 12 minutes of the first quarter, scoring six points on 2-of-4 shooting with two rebounds and two assists. He missed Sunday's 124-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with left groin soreness.

On the TNT broadcast, Leonard could be seen walking back to the Clippers' locker room in the second quarter, and then leaving the locker room in street clothes.

Leonard again was listed on the injury report before Tuesday's game with the groin soreness and was questionable, but he was in the starting lineup.

The Clippers led 34-21 after one quarter and had a 22-point lead nearly halfway through the second quarter before the Timberwolves pulled off a 20-2 run after Leonard departed. Los Angeles led 63-55 at halftime.

Leonard has averaged 24.0 points and 6.2 rebounds with 3.8 assists in 57 games this season. In 12 NBA seasons, he has averaged 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 685 games (656 starts).

—Field Level Media

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