SAN ANTONIO (AP) — NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard will miss San Antonio’s showdown with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday after suffering a concussion.
Leonard was injured in the second half of the Spurs’ 102-92 loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday night, which snapped the team’s nine-game winning streak.
The forward was struck on the left side of his head by Victor Oladipo as the Thunder guard flailed his arms after losing the ball on a drive to the basket. Leonard exited and did not return, finishing with 19 points in 26 minutes.
Leonard cannot return until he is evaluated by a team physician and passes the NBA’s concussion protocol. Players must be symptom-free as they undergo a series of tests that include riding a stationary bike, jogging, agility work and non-contact team drills.
Leonard is averaging 26.2 points, 5.9 points and 3.4 assists while also continuing his role as the team’s top defender.
San Antonio entered Friday two games behind Golden State for the league’s top seed. The Warriors are without Kevin Durant, who suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and tibial bone bruise to his left leg on Feb. 28 against Washington.
