Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket and excited about Kawhi’s comeback!
He does it his way. Did you expect anything different? Kawhi Leonard returned to action on January 4th, stepping onto the court at the Intuit Dome for the first time since his eight-month hiatus. In typical Kawhi fashion, he dismissed any dramatics surrounding his return, stating, “There’s nothing hard about playing basketball. The only hard part is not playing.”
This statement encapsulates Kawhi’s mindset: he values longevity over optics, preservation over pandering. Fans might have felt frustrated with delays to his return, but Kawhi has never been one to bow to external pressures. He plays on his terms, ensuring he’s at his best when he does.
Kawhi’s Comeback: A Night to Remember
For those patient fans who waited and trusted the process, their loyalty was rewarded. For others who vented frustrations online, Kawhi’s performance reminded them why he’s worth the wait. In his return, the Clippers cruised to a dominant 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks with Kawhi blending seamlessly back into the lineup.
The atmosphere felt less like a high-stakes game and more like a family reunion. It was as if the grill was fired up with hot dogs and burgers, and someone called out, “Who’s got next in 21?” Old-school basketball vibes permeated the arena, filling the night with joy and camaraderie. It was basketball stripped down to its purest form—fun, fluid, and full of moments that made you fall in love with the game all over again.
Terance Mann’s sharp shooting, Norman Powell’s consistency, Ivica Zubac’s dominance in the paint, and Derrick Jones Jr.’s aerial theatrics made it a team effort. Eight Clippers scored in double figures, with James Harden and Zubac each posting double doubles. The team poured in 74 points in the paint, showcasing their depth and unity. It was great to see our reserves getting a piece of the pie, the way it was supposed to be.
The Journey Back
Kawhi’s return wasn’t without its twists and turns. The anticipation began before Christmas, with fans expecting his comeback. When that didn’t happen, frustration brewed. But Kawhi wasn’t ready, and in a moment that humanized the superstar, he revealed he’d woken up unable to move his knee.
Fast forward to January 4th, and the drama continued. Initially listed as out, then questionable, Kawhi was ultimately cleared to play. For some fans, the rollercoaster of emotions was too much; they felt misled. But as Kawhi reminded everyone post-game, “We are not on anyone’s timeframe.” He’s cautious for good reasons, focused on building his minutes and conditioning to peak at the right time.
Coach Lue’s Touch
Post-game, Tyronn Lue brought his signature humor and protective nature to the press conference. His leadership is a significant reason Kawhi remains a Clipper. As Leonard continues to recover, the Clippers organization has demonstrated patience, understanding, and unwavering support—a sharp contrast to his previous experiences in San Antonio and Toronto.
Kawhi is where he wants to be—loved, respected, and understood not just as a basketball player but as a person.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers are now deeper, with Kawhi back and the team clicking. As Leonard said, “We know what’s ahead of us, and we’re building in the right direction.” Up next: the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Clippers are ready to keep moving, one game at a time, with Kawhi leading the way on his terms.
For the fans, the message is clear: trust the process, trust Kawhi, and enjoy the ride.
