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LA Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard's status was uncertain leading up to Game 1 of his team's first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. However, according to his co-star James Harden, LA knew Leonard was ruled out multiple days earlier, opening the door to another potential injury report violation.
Leonard last played on March 31, missing the regular season's final eight games due to right knee inflammation. Early in his absence, many assumed the Clippers were being cautious with the two-time NBA champion ahead of the playoffs.
However, as the playoffs drew closer, Leonard's status remained up in the air. He was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out on Sunday.
LA didn't skip a beat without the six-time All-Star, building a 29-point third-quarter lead before cruising to a 109-97 home victory. Harden led the way with a team-best 28 points, eight assists and six 3-pointers on 47.1% shooting.
After the game, the former MVP was asked when the Clippers knew Leonard "wasn't going today." However, rather than provide an hourly timeline of his co-star's injury update, Harden noted that his team knew "a few days ago."
The 10-time All-Star also said that Leonard's absence "didn't" change his mindset entering Game 1.
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Harden's comments come after the NBA fined LA $25,000 on Friday for "violating league injury reporting rules." The previous incident occurred during the franchise's April 14 season finale against the Houston Rockets.
The team failed to report the absences of star wing Paul George and reserves Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook before the contest. All three subsequently sat out despite not being listed on the Clippers' injury report.
So, if Harden's claim about LA knowing Leonard's status days ago and not disclosing it until Sunday is accurate, the franchise could face another penalty.
Also Read: "A bit of an adjustment": Kyrie Irving indirectly blames Kawhi Leonard's absence for Game 1 loss
After missing Game 1, Kawhi Leonard remains without firm return timeline
As for Kawhi Leonard's expected return date, that remains unclear. After Leonard was ruled out for Game 1, LA didn't provide a concrete update on whether he would be good to go for Tuesday's Game 2.
However, Clippers coach Ty Lue noted that Leonard still hasn't engaged in contact work and is being monitored "day by day."
Additionally, on Thursday, Clippers president Lawrence Frank highlighted the unpredictability of Leonard's injury. So, it appears he could miss more time.
"Inflammation is unpredictable," Frank said. "We'd love to have a crystal ball and Kawhi would love to have a crystal ball and know exactly on this day, but you just control what you can control."
Despite Sunday's strong performance sans Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers (51-31) only went 7-7 over 14 regular-season games without the superstar forward. So, they will likely need him back sooner rather than later to keep their hopes of making a deep playoff run alive.
Also Read: "I still can score": James Harden debunks narrative of being uncomfortable as a primary option
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