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Kawhi Leonard acknowledged that the LA Clippers are missing the injured Russell Westbrook, who's recovering from a broken left hand. Westbrook has not played since Mar. 1 when he suffered the injury against the Washington Wizards. It's unclear when the former MVP will return to the Clippers.
In his postgame media availability, Leonard was asked about missing Westbrook off the bench. The two-time Finals MVP admitted that the team misses his energy, scoring and defense.
"He's another guy that comes in with energy, giving us a fast pace, playing transition, another defender on the floor, another scorer," Leonard said.
"We definitely miss him. We played our first 50 games with him or 50 something games, so it's a rhythm break."
He added:
"It's between the ears with us. We got to go out and do it even if he's on the floor or not. It's still five other guys that's on that floor that could run hard and do what's told."
Russell Westbrook has not played since breaking his left hand against the Washington Wizards. The LA Clippers are 4-5 in their last nine games since he went down with the injury. They have just one win in their last five.
The Clippers are on a two-game losing streak following back-to-back lackluster performances against the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. They had no sense of urgency against the Pelicans who are creeping up behind them in the Western Conference.
Kawhi Leonard ended with 28 points in the 110-93 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena. He had 17 in the first quarter but was quiet for the rest of the game. James Harden was scoreless in the first three quarters, while Paul George looked hobbled by his minor knee injury.
When will Russell Westbrook return from injury?
Russell Westbrook is recovering from a broken left hand suffered on Mar. 1 in the win over the Washington Wizards. He has been with the team despite the setback, wearing a hand brace as he cheers his teammates on the bench.
The former MVP suffered the injury early in the second quarter when he tried to poke the ball from Jordan Poole's hands. He tried to shake off the injury but was quickly removed from the game and later ruled out. He was subsequently diagnosed with a broken left hand with no timetable for recovery.
Coach Ty Lue said on Sunday night that Westbrook is making progress, but there's no concrete timetable for his return yet.
