Kawhi Leonard Likely out for Game 4 of Western Conference Finals

By Djack

As if it really even matters, Kawhi Leonard, will likely not play in game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. He hasn't played in the series since the 3rd quarter of game 1. Funny how in the 3 quarters he did play the Spurs were absolutely decimating the Warriors. Not saying they would've won the series if Kawhi didn't get hurt, but they definitley would've won game 1, and the series would've been a lot more competitive. Instead Zaza Pachulia, the real MVP of this series, stuck his foot under Kawhi after his shot, causing Kawhi to get hurt and miss basically the entire series. Once Kawhi went down the Warriors took over and haven't looked back jumping out to a 3-0 series lead. 

The Spurs aren't coming back from 3-0 with or without Kawhi. They probably wouldn't even win game 4. Playing Kawhi would just be a risk with no reward. Obviously, anyone with a competitive bone in their body knows Kawhi gives the Spurs the best shot to win and would want him on the floor to give the Spurs their best shot to win, however it's not worth it at this point. If Kawhi isn't 100% don't risk the injury getting worse and effecting his next season just to try to avoid the sweep. I'm sure Popovich already knows this though, and won't be playing Kawhi in game 4 for that reason.

Spurs had a great year, they have one of the best players in the NBA, but this wasn't their year, and we all knew that since KD signed with Golden State. This team needs to adjust and turn into something new. Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and Danny Green are not the answer to beating Golden State. I know Parker has been unbelievable for the Spurs throughout his career, but you can't keep putting him out there based on his past production. He's just not an elite point guard anymore. This is a super team driven league, if you don't have a group of superstars surrounded by a bench of three point shooters you're just not going to win in this league. That's the sad reality of the NBA, if the Spurs can't adjust they'll continue to find themselves in this position. 

Spurs can either try a new formula since the NBA has evolved greatly since the last time the Spurs won a championship or keep trying the same thing. I mean Popovich will coach them to a 60 win season regardless, but they'll ultimately be sent packing before the NBA Finals. Time for some change for the greatest franchise of the last 20 years in basketball, if not, they'll return to the pre-Popovich days, which weren't pretty.