Kawhi Leonard’s ‘love’ for Benedict Maturin embraced after loss
On Sunday night, Los Angeles Clippers took their second straight loss with a narrow defeat at home to hands of the Orlando Magic. It was a tight game throughout, but in the end, the Clippers fell when a last-second shot Benedict Maturin to win the game he hit the back iron and dropped out.
after the game Kawhi Leonardwho kicked out the pass to Maturin for an open look, he had message of support for the Clippers’ recent trade acquisition from the Indiana Pacers.
“Ben wide open. Driven them in. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. But that’s basketball. Things happen. We took a good look and he’ll be ready next time,” Leonard said, per Joey Lin of Sports Illustrated on X, formerly Twitter.
Maturin was also 100% real on the missed shot, as well as what it means to have someone like Leonard in your corner.
“…It was great to have that experience. Obviously I wish I could have made that shot, but there’s nothing I can do but work on it more… It means a lot. In my opinion, (Kawhi) is one of the greatest players to ever play the game. So he came to show love and show support that there’s a lot more ahead of me — for a lot of guys who said it’s great,” he said.
The Clippers have now lost two straight games following their recent win over the Denver Nuggets, but are still in a good postseason position in the Western Conference, sitting five games above the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot.
Mathurin was acquired from the Pacers in exchange for big man Ivica Zubac as part of the Clippers’ trade that saw them send James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland.
The Clippers will take the floor next on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
2026-02-23 18:10:00
