LA Clippers sit Kawhi Leonard to rest for play-in tournament

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Kawhi Leonardsat out theLA Clippers' regular-season finale Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors.

"He's been dealing with some things the last couple weeks with his wrist and with his ankle," coach Tyronn Lue said before the Clippers' 115-110 win, "so we just thought it would be smart just to get him as close to 100% as we can get him."

Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists during a mostly healthy season in which he played his second-most games as a Clipper. He played 68 games two seasons ago after being limited to 37 in 2024-25 because of injuries.

"Just being healthy, being able to play in back-to-backs, being able to carry this team when we're down," Lue said. "Just happy for him to be able to get back on the floor for a lot of games this year."

Despite Leonard not being on the court, Lue was pleased to have his presence around the team in the finale, as the Clippers ended a two-game skid.

"I mean, it's great just coming out supporting the guys and talking to guys, you know, just if they make a mistake or what they can do better," Lue said. "And just being engaged, you know, just having our best player around for the support, you know, is huge for these young guys."

Leonard's absence from Game 82 doesn't affect his ability to contend for postseason honors, including All-NBA. He's among those in the just-made-it-in club, which includesVictor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley, who became awards-eligible Friday, when Leonard played in his 65th game, which is the minimum to qualify.

Stephen Curryand the Warriors are the No. 10 seed for the play-in tournament and will face the Clippers again Wednesday.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.