The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 110-115 on Sunday night to take Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the two teams. The Clippers’ superstar Kawhi Leonard stole the show by scoring 38 points to go with five rebounds and five assists.
The game against the Suns was Leonard’s first appearance in the NBA playoffs since he tore his ACL in Western Conference Semifinals in 2021. He played 42 minutes, going 13-24 from the floor while being his usual menace on the defensive side of the ball.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue said that Leonard would continue playing heavy minutes as the team looks to overcome the absence of All-Star forward Paul George.
“That’s what we’ve been saving up for, this moment here in the playoffs,” said Lue. “We have to play heavy minutes, especially with PG being out, being short-handed. He was great tonight.”
The Clippers also saw a big performance from veteran guard Russell Westbrook. While Westbrook struggled to shoot the ball, going 3-19, he helped the Clippers in other ways. The former NBA MVP played great defense, grabbed key offensive rebounds, and iced the game for the Clippers with a huge block on Devin Booker in the final minute of the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant had a near triple-double for the Suns, scoring 27 points to go with nine rebounds and 11 assists. Booker and Torrey Craig had 26 points and 22 points, respectively.
The series stays in Phoenix, with the Clippers and the Suns set to face again in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
