The Los Angeles Clippers will probably be 100% in the playoffs in a few years. This year certainly doesn't seem like that year.
Kawhi Leonard appeared far from 100% Friday in Game 3 of the Clippers' 101-90 first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. He missed Game 1 with a knee injury and was doubtful for Game 3.
The final result was 9 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, and an on-court rating of -4. His defense was also a far cry from his usual dominant form.
That's not the whole reason the Clippers convincingly lost in Dallas, but it's certainly the most concerning storyline as the team goes 2-1. It's also a familiar storyline, as he missed most or all of the Clippers' playoff appearances in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Overall, it was a disastrous game for the Clippers. After holding the Mavericks to just eight points in the first quarter in Game 1, Los Angeles allowed Dallas an unacceptable amount of easy baskets on Friday. It's not like Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving was cooking. Both players had an off night and combined to make 15 of 42 field goals. Doncic also missed the first half with an apparent injury.
The Clippers' offense, on the other hand, was just a mess with 18 turnovers on the night. Not counting Ivica Zubac's 8-of-11 shooting, he shot 24-of-59 (40.6%) from the field.
And we haven't even talked about the ugliest part of the game yet.
Russell Westbrook, PJ Washington ejected in 4th quarter
With the game almost out of reach, Russell Westbrook played a stupid game and won a stupid prize.
When Doncic passed Doncic on defense, Westbrook reached out, grabbed his right arm and pulled him back. This was clearly not a basketball play, and it got worse when Westbrook shoved Doncic while the two were exchanging words.
This game was already a very volatile one – these teams have a history of good fights over the past few years – and culminated with P.J. Washington walking up and forcing Westbrook in from behind. did. Westbrook turned and retrieved him and was subsequently taken from the scene.
Westbrook and Washington were given two technical fouls and automatic ejections. Westbrook finished the game 0-for-7 from the field and scored one point.
An even more hostile crowd will await him in Game 4, scheduled for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. CT in Dallas (ABC).
