The Spurs have ruled star forward Kawhi Leonard out for Saturday's Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors with a left ankle injury.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made the announcement during Saturday's pregame shootaround, saying he made the decision to hold Leonard out.
"In the end, I guess it's my decision," Popovich said. "He's not thrilled that he's not playing, but he's not ready."
Leonard reinjured the ankle Sunday during the second half of San Antonio's Game 1 loss to the Warriors. Popovich mentioned after Game 1 that he anticipated Leonard's recovery to take longer than when he originally suffered the injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Jonathon Simmons will start in Leonard's place.
The Warriors lead the Western Conference finals 2-0.
Leonard attended Friday's workout but didn't participate. He didn't appear to be walking with a limp.
Since Leonard departed Game 1 with 7:54 left in the third quarter, the Warriors have outscored the Spurs 194-133. In Leonard's absence, the team has shot 37 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from 3-point range, while the Warriors are connecting on 57 percent of their shots, including 24-of-54 from deep.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made the announcement during Saturday's pregame shootaround, saying he made the decision to hold Leonard out.
"In the end, I guess it's my decision," Popovich said. "He's not thrilled that he's not playing, but he's not ready."
Leonard reinjured the ankle Sunday during the second half of San Antonio's Game 1 loss to the Warriors. Popovich mentioned after Game 1 that he anticipated Leonard's recovery to take longer than when he originally suffered the injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Jonathon Simmons will start in Leonard's place.
The Warriors lead the Western Conference finals 2-0.
Leonard attended Friday's workout but didn't participate. He didn't appear to be walking with a limp.
Since Leonard departed Game 1 with 7:54 left in the third quarter, the Warriors have outscored the Spurs 194-133. In Leonard's absence, the team has shot 37 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from 3-point range, while the Warriors are connecting on 57 percent of their shots, including 24-of-54 from deep.
