Kawhi ruled out with back spasms; leaves arena

LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard left Crypto.com Arena in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night due to back spasms.

The Clippers said Leonard was suffering from thoracic spasms. A source said Leonard went home to rest because it was uncomfortable sitting with the spasms.

Leonard left the game after playing 12 minutes and scoring six points. The Clippers told TNT’s Stephanie Ready that Leonard had been dealing with the spasms coming into the game and was attempting to play through it.

Leonard has played in 58 games this season so far, his most in a season as a Clipper since joining the franchise in the 2019-20 season.

Leonard played on Saturday during the team’s 112-102 win over Chicago but he and Paul George sat out Sunday’s 124-117 loss to Milwaukee. Leonard was held out due to left groin soreness while George sat with left knee soreness.

Both returned to play Tuesday before Leonard exited the game and arena with the back spasms.