Clippers’ James Harden steps up in Kawhi Leonard’s absence in Game 1 win

@sbsun— The future Hall of Famer scores a team-high 28 points to go with eight assists, helping the Clippers storm to a big first-half lead in their 109-97 victory over the Mavericks.

ESPN—James Harden makes point in Clippers' Game 1 win vs. Mavs. James Harden netted 20 of his 28 points in the opening half to help the Clippers build a 29-point lead en route to a 109-97 win over the Mavericks in Game 1. "Still can score with the best of 'em," he said.

Yahoo Sports—Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard returning from 9-game absence for Game 2 vs. Mavericks. Leonard missed the last eight games of the regular season and Game 1 against the Mavericks with knee inflammation.

Deadspin—Clippers rule out Kawhi Leonard (knee) for Game 1. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was ruled out for Game 1 of Sunday's first-round playoff series against the visiting Dallas Mavericks with inflammation in his right knee. The injury forced Leonard out of the Clippers' final eight regular-season games and continues a trend of knee issues keeping the two-time NBA champion out of recent playoff series. Knee injuries knocked Leonard out of the 2021 and 2023 playoffs, with the Clippers quickly eliminated after his departures. When knee...