Many around the NBA world have been waiting to see Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard return to action, and he did not disappoint in the team’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue revealed shortly before the game that Leonard would be coming off the bench, which is his first time doing so in a game since 2013.
Despite his role change, Leonard finished the game with 14 points along with seven rebounds in only 20 minutes of action, with some vintage Kawhi Leonard-type highlights to boot.
Kawhi feelin' it! pic.twitter.com/ca7v8MCvAo
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 21, 2022
Straight cash! 💸 pic.twitter.com/rtHFX8J4yu
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 21, 2022
Another Clippers player returning from a lengthy absence was former Washington Wizards star John Wall, who also played extremely well, finishing with 15 points on the night.
.@JohnWall in attack mode! pic.twitter.com/2i8XWDsS5y
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 21, 2022
It was great to see both players back in action in Los Angeles, and their impressive play helped the Clippers get a tough 103-97 victory over the Lakers.
Many took to social media following the game to praise Leonard for his solid play in his first NBA game in over a year.
Kawhi Leonard: BACK
pic.twitter.com/jjSZ86oPmf— Bet The Hoops (@betthehoops) October 21, 2022
So yeah, Kawhi Leonard was a game-high +17 in the second half tonight at Los Angeles. https://t.co/X5TQkT0ANn
— Law Murray 🎃 (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 21, 2022
Kawhi Leonard = BACKpic.twitter.com/NzNWD7XEOc
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) October 21, 2022
Welcome back, Kawhi Leonard
— InsideHoops.com NBA (@InsideHoops) October 21, 2022
Leonard discussed his performance following the game, confirming that he feels good physically after his lengthy absence.
“I feel good,” Leonard told TNT. “We did an amazing job of putting a team together to help me get better. They matched my motivation to get back, so that is all you can ask for in a group.”
This win showed some great signs for the Clippers moving forward, but this season will ultimately depend on Leonard’s health down the stretch for Los Angeles.
If he can stay healthy, the Clippers’ roster is amongst the best in the NBA, and should certainly be a contender in the Western Conference this year.
