Los Angeles Clippers opted to keep star forward Kawhi Leonard out of the season finale against the Golden State Warriors. Coach Tyronn Lue cited lingering wrist and ankle issues, saying the move aims to keep Leonard near 100 percent for the play‑in run. Leonard finished the season averaging a career‑high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in this season overall.

Leonard’s absence snaps a franchise‑record streak of 57 straight games with at least 20 points, tying him with Bob McAdoo for the longest in Clippers history. Despite missing the final contest, he remains eligible for All‑NBA honors, having played 65 games—the minimum for awards eligibility—alongside teammates Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley and they continue to push for a playoff spot with the season still in the balance.

With the Warriors already secured the No. 10 seed, the Clippers face a tough play‑in path if they qualify. Leonard’s health will be a decisive factor in the high‑stakes matchups that define the end of the regular season. The decision underscores the coaching staff’s focus on preserving key talent for the postseason grind before the playoffs begin and the team seeks to solidify.