Is Kawhi Leonard hurt? Closer look at latest injury update after minute restriction in Game 3 loss

LA Clippers All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard played in Game 3 of their opening-round NBA playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday but for just 24 minutes and saw his team slump to a 101-90 defeat.

The two-time NBA champion missed their series-opener as he continued to deal with knee inflammation that kept him out for a while late in the regular season.

He, however, played in Game 2 and played 35 minutes. Heading into Game 3, 'The Klaw' was not on the injury report, although he was deemed 'questionable' as his health was being monitored.

Prior to Game 3, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of the status of their star forward, by way of the Los Angeles Times:

"Not sure yet. That's something we got to talk about with medical. I'm not sure if the minutes will go up but he feels good."

But Kawhi Leonard did take the floor in Game 3 under a cloud of precaution, which unfortunately was not as effective as hoped. He finished the game with nine points, nine rebounds and two steals.

James Harden and Norman Powell paced the Clippers with 21 points apiece but Paul George only had seven points, which made it tougher for the the team to keep in step with the Mavericks, who are now up 2-1 in the series.

Game 4 of the Clippers-Mavericks series is on Sunday, also in Dallas.

Kawhi Leonard to continue playing despite dealing with knee issues

Kawhi Leonard lamented not being able to respond well in Game 3 of their opening-round NBA playoff series with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday amid knee issues he is dealing with, but vows to continue playing and help the team. As per Ohm Youngmisuk, he is expected to play the next game.

The six-time NBA All-Star played only 24 minutes in their 101-90 Game 3 loss to the Mavericks that sent them aback, 1-2, in the best-of-seven series.

Speaking to media following the game, Leonard said it was just unfortunate he was not able to respond in the way he would have wanted in the contest, despite the health issues he is dealing with.

He said:

"It was pretty good, the first game... Tonight, you know, it's either, you know, play or limited minutes, or not play and I want to be on the floor to help the team. That's what the results are. But yeah we're going to keep going."

Check out what he had to say below at the one-minute mark:

In Game 3, Kawhi Leonard had nine points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Previously in Game 2, he played 35 minutes and wound up with 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Leonard missed the Clippers' last eight regular season games and their series-opener with the Mavericks because of right knee inflammation.