LA Clippers: Kawhi Leonard continues struggling to find his shot

Kawhi Leonard has struggled offensively in the LA Clippers’ first two scrimmages, which could be worrisome nearing the restart.

After such an extended hiatus due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, players expected to come into the NBA’s restart with some rust. Kawhi Leonard has served as a prime example of that, as after putting up MVP type numbers before the stoppage, he has struggled immensely in the LA Clippers’ first two scrimmages.

In the team’s first scrimmage on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, Leonard’s struggles were uncharacteristically on full display. In 19 minutes of action, the forward tallied nine points, shooting 3-for-8 from the field. Lou Williams and Paul George picked up the slack offensively with a combined 40 points and led the Clippers to a 99-90 win in their first action against another team in months.

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Most brushed it off as merely rust from Leonard and figured he would find his rhythm soon enough. However, in the team’s second scrimmage on Saturday against the Washington Wizards, Kawhi’s struggles escalated.

In 24 minutes, Leonard scored a mere six points, shooting an abysmal 3-for-16 from the field, including 0-for-8 from 3-point territory. Although the forward struggled once again, seven other members of the Clippers scored in double figures, which paved the way to a 105-100 victory.

Whether it be preseason, scrimmage, or an exhibition, there will always be those who make it a big deal or dismiss it depending on how a player performs. After Leonard’s last two performances, the same applies here. A combined 15 points in his last two games is undoubtedly worrisome, but they were just scrimmages. If these types of performances carry over into the legitimate restart, that is where things will get problematic.

Everyone knows what Kawhi Leonard is capable of, particularly in the postseason. As previously stated, the forward was putting up MVP-type numbers before the hiatus, and these last two performances could show cause for concern. Before the NBA’s stoppage, Leonard averaged a career-high 26.9 points, while also hauling in 7.3 rebounds, and dishing 5.0 assists per game. Now, several months later, the 29-year-old can seemingly not score to save his life.

At the moment, everything seems discombobulated for the LA Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is struggling, Patrick Beverley and Montrezl Harrell are not in the bubble. Lou Williams is under a 10-day quarantine. Hopefully, as the actual restart nears, the team can pick up the pieces and get back to form.

The Clippers will have one more scrimmage on Monday against the Sacramento Kings before the eight seeding games begin on Thursday. If Leonard can get back on track in that final scrimmage, it would be very reassuring heading into the resumption. Everyone has their calendars circled for the July 30th matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, and rightfully so as the two Western Conference powerhouses always put on a show.

Kawhi Leonard is attempting to become the first player ever to win the NBA’s Finals MVP with three different franchises. As historical of an achievement as that would be, if the reigning Finals MVP cannot regain his offensive touch, those chances are slim to none.