INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) 鈥� is sitting out the Los Angeles Clippers’ regular-season finale Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors.
鈥淗e鈥檚 been dealing with some things the last couple weeks with his wrist and with his ankle,鈥� coach Tyronn Lue said before the game, 鈥渟o we just thought it would be smart just to get him as close to 100% as we can get him.鈥�
Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists during a mostly healthy season in which he played his second-most games as a Clipper. He played 68 games two years ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 because of injuries.
鈥淛ust being healthy, being able to play in back-to-backs, being able to carry this team when we’re down,鈥� Lue said. 鈥淛ust happy for him to be able to get back on the floor for a lot of games this year.鈥�
Leonard鈥檚 absence from Game 82 doesn’t affect his ability to contend for postseason honors, including All-NBA. He鈥檚 among the just-made-it-in club, including Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley, who became awards eligible on Friday, when Leonard played in his 65th game, which is the minimum to qualify.
Steph Curry and the Warriors have already clinched the No. 10 seed for the play-in tournament, where they could face the Clippers again.
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