Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers’ game-plan against the Mavericks: “Obviously, it starts with Luka. You know, he’s playing amazing”

The Los Angeles Clippers narrowly defeated the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night by a score of 110-107 in a game that was absent of star forward Paul George. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points to go with 11 rebounds and led his team to their eighth victory in their last 10 games. Mavericks star Luka Doncic gave the Clippers all they could handle, dropping 36 points himself to go with 10 rebounds and nine assists.

“Obviously, it starts with Luka,” Leonard says in regards to the team’s game-plan for the Mavericks. “You know, he’s playing amazing. Getting everybody involved. Getting to his spots, making shots. We just wanted to try and make it hard for him. Show hands. You know, but he’s great. So, we just kept pushing. And that’s pretty much the key. Just make sure Porzingis doesn’t get any looks. And, you know, Tim Hardaway Jr., he’s playing well too. Shooting the ball very well. So, just playing hard. Making sure we put a hand up. You know, just not giving them easy looks.”

Leonard also touched on how it feels to be playing back in his home city, having completed half a season in a Clippers uniform already.

“It feels good. You know, I grew up in this city. And I’m able to play for a team I’ve seen growing up. But, it’s a busy schedule during the season. But it’s good for me to know that family is able to see me in person playing games and you know, sometimes see them after games.”