LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard’s presence is so massive, the public tone on the Los Angeles Clippers’ first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks shifts with every injury update on his right knee.
It’s almost as if the Clippers don’t have a wealth of players who, at a moment’s notice, can fill his shoes. It’s why their series-opening decisive 109-97 win felt like an upset, despite it taking place at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Almost as if this was the semi-helpless bunch that couldn’t manage a second wind or a second win against the Phoenix Suns last year.