Who Steps Up? The Candidates to Fill a Two-Time NBA Champion’s Minutes Against Phoenix
With Kawhi Leonard ruled out due to a right-ankle sprain, the Clippers enter tomorrow’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns needing to reshape their identity on both ends of the floor. Kawhi’s absence isn’t just a scoring gap; it removes the team’s most reliable half-court creator, primary wing defender, and late-game stabilizer. That leaves a significant shift in responsibility, especially with the Suns leaning heavily on perimeter offense and isolation scoring. The Clippers don’t just need someone to score more; they need someone to do what Kawhi does, which is far harder to replace than points alone.
The offensive burden now primarily shifts to James Harden, who becomes the centerpiece of the attack in Kawhi’s absence. Harden will likely handle more pick-and-roll usage and late-clock possessions, where his decision-making will matter as much as his scoring. With Phoenix likely to blitz or show strong help against him, Harden has to skim the floor and avoid stagnation. His ability to create efficient opportunities for others will determine whether the Clippers can consistently generate good looks.
Next up is Bradley Beal, who projects to become the go-to perimeter scoring option when Harden draws extra attention. Beal’s ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes, attack closeouts, and run off screens gives the Clippers a weapon that can shift momentum quickly. Without Kawhi, Beal may be asked to take more early-clock possessions rather than waiting for late fate. If Beal can find rhythm early, it’ll relieve pressure on Harden and keep the offense from becoming predictable.
On the front line, John Collins will need to provide sturdy two-way minutes in the small-ball power-forward role that Kawhi often occupied. Collins’ rebounding presence and ability to finish at the rim are key against a physically tough Phoenix squad. He’ll also be counted on defensively to help on switches and secure the glass, helping the defenders stay fresh. If Collins can match his effort and impact, the Clippers’ interior game will hold up without a hitch.
Defensively, Ivica Zubac becomes the anchor in the paint and the rim-protector the Clippers must rely on even more. Zubac’s presence deters drives and forces the Suns to make tougher shots rather than blowing by defenders. The Clippers staff will lean on him to command the defense, especially when rotations get stretched by Phoenix’s motion offense. If Zubac can reliably win one-on-one match-ups and cover for the wing leakage, the Clippers can maintain defensive integrity despite Kawhi’s absence.
This game is ultimately a chance for the Clippers’ depth and role players to prove that supporting cast still matters in a star-driven league. While Kawhi’s absence will be felt, a strong team effort could preserve momentum and quiet concerns around his availability. The question heading into tomorrow is simple: can the Clippers play as a team rather than a collection of stars and injuries? The answer will say a lot about the group’s trajectory moving forward.
