While the availability of Kawhi Leonard for Game 1 between the LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks remains uncertain, Dallas is actively preparing for his potential presence on the court.
Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. addressed the media, commenting on Leonard’s tendencies, particularly noting that Leonard prefers not to drive left.
“Approach them like any other opponent,” Jones remarked about defending Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. “I simply go out there and guard. I study film, observe their tendencies, and try to exploit their weaknesses.”
When asked specifically about Leonard’s tendencies, Jones mentioned, “He tends to avoid driving left.”
Jones acknowledged that Leonard is capable of driving left but emphasized the importance of preventing him from driving right, which will be a focus for the Dallas defense. Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s availability, LA’s President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank provided an update on Thursday:
“Kawhi has been managing inflammation in his right knee for nearly three weeks,” Frank stated. “Our medical team is working diligently to reduce the inflammation so he can return to play.
Progress has been made, but further improvement is needed. We’re hopeful that the inflammation will continue to decrease, allowing him to resume normal basketball activities.”
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