Report: Kawhi Leonard unlikely to go in Game 4
By John Buhler
Things aren’t going to get easier for Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs. It looks increasingly likely that Kawhi Leonard will miss Game 4 on Monday.
The San Antonio Spurs will face playoff elimination on Monday night as the host the Golden State Warriors for Game 4 of the 2017 Western Conference Finals. Down 0-3 in the best-of-seven series, it looks very grim for the Spur’s chances to advance to the NBA Finals. At least they’ve still got Kawhi Leonard, right?
No, it seems like the Spurs will once again be without their star small forward and NBA MVP candidate. Barring some major advances in science, Leonard will likely end up missing his third straight game in the best-of-seven series.
Leonard has been dealing with a bad high ankle sprain he suffered in Game 1 in Oakland. His injury came about from a controversial close-out by Warriors center Zaza Pachulia. Leonard landed on Pachulia’s massive foot and wrecked his ankle in the process.
Pop said Kawhi likely isn't playing Game 4. Said it's not like he'll miraculously heal after being unable 2 go in Game 3.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) May 21, 2017
San Antonio has since nose-dived since the Leonard injury. Golden State has taken advantage of Leonard’s absence and stands on the brink of reaching its third straight NBA Finals. The Warriors find themselves at a perfect 9-0 in the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
San Antonio won’t go down without a fight at home in an elimination game in Game 4. However, how much fight is left in this listless basketball team? Leonard isn’t the only Spur that has been hurt this postseason. Point guard Tony Parker is out for the year with a leg injury. The same looks to be the case for center David Lee, who succumbed to an injury on Saturday night in Game 3.
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Without Leonard, the Spurs have almost no chance of beating the Warriors in Game 4. Even if they are able to hold serve and force a Game 5, that game would be in Oakland. Nobody but the Warriors enjoys playing ball in Oakland. Look for Golden State to cruise to its third straight NBA Finals.