The Clippers survived Leonard’s absence in the last round against Utah and handed Phoenix its first loss since May 27.

The Clippers established momentum with a Game 3 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference finals without Kawhi Leonard. They will need to keep it without him, too.

The All-NBA First Team forward remains out for Saturday’s Game 4 (9 ET, ESPN) with a sprained right knee, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told the media Friday evening. Leonard has not played since Game 4 of LA’s series against the Utah Jazz in the previous round of the playoffs.

Yet without Leonard, the Clippers have still managed to play high-quality basketball that saw them seize the first conference finals victory in franchise history. LA still trails Phoenix 2-1 heading into Saturday’s Game 4 showdown.

Leonard was averaging 30.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals while shooting 57.3% over 11 playoff games. Paul George is putting up 30.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game during Leonard’s five-game absence.