Toronto Raptors Receive Positive Kawhi Leonard Update After Beating Clippers

Head coach Darko Rajakovic and the Toronto Raptors escaped the Intuit Dome with a 125-118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. After trailing for 94% of the game, the Raptors had as low as a 2.5% chance to win in the fourth quarter, according to ESPN analytics, before a late push from Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley pushed them ahead. Barnes contributed 22 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while Quickley added 27 points; they combined for 29 of the team’s 47 points in the fourth quarter. 

Before the season started, many circled this game on their calendars because it was meant to be the reunion of seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard against his old team. Both he and Brandon Ingram sat out the contest due to injuries, so they didn’t get the opportunity to go at their former teammates, as many were hoping for. 

After a much-needed bounce-back win, the Raptors got great news regarding Leonard’s health. The two-time Finals MVP has completed his treatment to address the swelling in his left knee and is on track to begin his return-to-play protocol in Toronto. Another update will be provided in a week (via Blake Murphy). 

While the initial injury designation was extremely vague, it’s amazing to receive an ounce of clarity. There still weren’t any specific details as to what his treatment was or how long it was expected to take, but either way, it’s positive to hear that he has done what he needs to get back on the floor. Now, it will come down to how long it takes for him to recondition himself (again) to not only play with the Raptors, but be the dominant two-way player that the franchise desperately needs him to be. 

The Raptors were desperate for a win after losing back-to-back games against the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers. Had they not pulled off a heroic effort to turn the tide, they would have had to face a harsh reality: not only can they not beat top teams without Leonard, but they can’t be favored against anyone without him. Luckily, that notion doesn’t have to be put into the universe quite yet, thanks to Barnes' recent dominance. In an attempt to keep the team afloat, he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 30 points, eight rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game over the last four contests. 

When asked if it was nice to win the game for Leonard, given his substantial ties to the Clippers, Rajakovic continued his considerable praise for the two-time DPOY. 

“It’s great to get every win for him,” said Rajakovic. “He loves this team. He loves his teammates. He loves to be around them. It means a lot to him when he sees guys do well.”