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Kawhi Leonard's Statement After Injury Return Goes Viral

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard spoke after his season debut against the Atlanta Hawks.

Joey Linn

Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks during a post game interview after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks during a post game interview after defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Intuit Dome. / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard made his NBA season debut against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night, tallying 12 points in 19 minutes. Out all season with right knee injury recovery, Leonard had some strong moments in his first game back.

The Clippers snapped a two-game losing streak in Leonard’s return, improving to 20-15 on the season. Ty Lue told reporters after the game that Leonard’s return will be treated like the preseason as he ramps up after his long absence. Leonard's minutes restriction seems to be around 20 right now.

Speaking on the broadcast after the game, Leonard made a statement that went viral.

"It felt great," Leonard said of his return. "Was able to throw some paint on the canvas tonight. We're working to create something beautiful so let's keep going."

Several pages stared Leonard’s first statement after returning, and fans loved it.

Leonard also spoke postgame about returning to a Clippers team that has been playing well in his absence.

“It was great,” Leonard said. “They’ve been doing well all year leading the team. With James. Zu has grown a lot… Norm as well. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. He’s proven himself right and showing the world he can be an All-Star player.”

The Clippers will now head on the road for a two-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

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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.

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