All Clippers

Jamal Murray's Honest Kawhi Leonard Statement After Clippers-Nuggets

Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray spoke on LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

Joey Linn

Jan 5, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) guards in the first quarter at Ball Arena.
Jan 5, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) guards in the first quarter at Ball Arena. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
In this story:

The LA Clippers fell to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night at Ball Arena. Previously 2-0 against their Western Conference rivals, the Clippers were unable to clinch the season series before the two teams face off again on January 8.

This game was again played without Kawhi Leonard, who has missed all season with right knee injury recovery, but recently returned to non-contact practice. For the Nuggets, they welcomed Jamal Murray back to the starting lineup after a two-game injury absence.

Murray and Leonard are both New Balance athletes and have both returned from ACL injuries. When asked about the Clippers star after Friday’s game, Murray said he is looking forward to their next matchup.

“He’s a fun guy," Murray said of Leonard. "I can’t wait to see him back out there. Obviously they’re tough to guard with a guy like that out there. Both offensively and defensively. I hope he comes back from his injury healthy and rejuvenated… I look forward to that matchup… I love to compete against the best.”

The Clippers are now 14-12 without Leonard to start the season, which is better than many people had them being at this point in the year. If the star forward can return and stay healthy, the Clippers can be an even tougher team in the Western Conference, which Murray mentioned postgame.

Related Articles

Ex-NBA Star Calls Out Drake for DeMar DeRozan Comments

Patrick Beverley Makes Statement on Possible NBA Comeback

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Honest Statement on Clippers-Thunder Trade

Published
Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

Home/News