Kawhi Leonard Out For Game 5 Against Phoenix

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Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns - Game Two
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 18: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 18, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard to miss second straight game in series with the Phoenix Suns

Kawhi Leonard will once again be absent for the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Leonard, who missed Game 4 with a knee sprain, will miss Game 5 for the same reason. The news was reported by NBA insider Shams Charania. The Leonard injury is a massive blow to a Clippers team that will be fighting for their playoff lives. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the team will be more than ready to fight off elimination.

Last week, Russell Westbrook discussed Leonard's injury with the media. During his interview, Westbrook mentioned just how unfortunate the injury is for Leonard. The Clippers will be without Leonard and Paul George. Two massive talents that would change the entire landscape of the series if they were healthy. However, the team will look to players like Westbrook to keep their season alive. The Clippers are just one of many teams that have faced derailing injuries during this postseason.

Kawhi Leonard Unavailable For Pivotal Playoff Game

Leonard's recent injury has brought up an interesting debate on the Clippers star's legacy. Last week, Stephen A. Smith created a social media wildfire with his comments on Leonard. Smith believes that Leonard is the worst superstar in NBA history. A confusing statement, but once Smith broke it down, it somewhat made more sense. Leonard has been hit with every injury imaginable in recent years. Now it seems his legacy is becoming an injured star. Instead of being the guy everyone once feared in the postseason.

Unfortunately, Leonard is dealing with off-the-court issues as well. The former Finals MVP is dealing with the heartbreaking news that his sister has been sentenced to life in prison on a murder charge. Piling the recent news onto a frustrated injury will surely have Leonard in a tough mental state. However, Leonard isn't one to share his feelings with the media. Especially on such a close family issue. Do you believe that the Clippers have a chance to advance without Kawhi Leonard? How will you remember Leonard when his playing time is over? Let us know your thoughts on those questions in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

About The Author
Tyler Reed
Tyler Reed is a current Sports Writer for HotNewHipHop. He started back in March of 2023 with the company. During his time Tyler has shown his expertise in all things sports. Ranging from NBA news, all the way to boxing and MMA. He has bylines with several outlets, such as Busted Coverage, where Tyler has covered the NFL, College Football, WWE and beyond. Tyler has also written for Detroit Jock City, Wildcat Blue Nation and Swarm and Sting for the FanSided Network. Tyler is a massive Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Reds fan. Being from Kentucky, he chose connections to sports franchises that he enjoyed watching as a child. Unfortunately, his professional fandoms have only brought him pain. Tyler's hobbies outside of work include exercising and binge-watching the same shows he has watched for the last decade while endlessly scrolling through social media. His favorite hip-hop artists are Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Kentucky's own Jack Harlow.
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