Kawhi returns, scores 15 in Clips’ Game 2 loss

LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will return for Game 2 of the team’s first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, coach Ty Lue said.

Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season and Sunday’s Game 1 win over Dallas with inflammation in his surgically repaired knee.

Leonard has not played since March 31. He has participated in practices, including Monday’s. Asked if Leonard had gone through contact before returning, Lue said his star checked off all the boxes for a safe return but added that the contact will come in Game 2.

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank had described Leonard’s inflammation as “unpredictable” and “stubborn” last week.

Leonard went into Tuesday night averaging 32.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the playoffs against Dallas. He played in 68 games this season, his most since the 2016-17 season with the Spurs.