LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard returned after lower back tightness forced him to miss a game, scoring 31 points in a 118-106 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.
Leonard was initially listed as questionable on the injury report vs. Minnesota after his back locked up while shooting in pregame warm-ups on Thursday night before Los Angeles met Sacramento.
Coach Doc Rivers said he found out moments before tipoff against the Kings that Leonard wouldn’t start that game. Leonard tried to get his back to loosen up in the first half before he was officially ruled out after halftime against Sacramento.
Saturday’s game was just one segment of a busy day Leonard likely won’t soon forget. After playing against the Timberwolves, Leonard traveled to San Diego State, where his school was set to retire his jersey during a game against Utah State.
Rivers said Clippers owner Steve Ballmer chartered a flight for any Clippers who wanted to join Leonard in San Diego.
ESPN’s Nick Friedell contributed to this report.