According to Jeetbuzz Login, Kawhi Leonard made his long-awaited return in Game 2 of the Clippers’ playoff series—but despite the loss, there’s reason for optimism. Kawhi, clearly still shaking off the rust, looked hesitant on the court. His movements were cautious, and his rhythm was off, much like someone who hadn’t touched a basketball in weeks. The truth is, in this league, staying comfortable is the fastest way to fall behind. While Kawhi is often considered a plug-and-play superstar, rejoining the rotation after weeks without full-team practice inevitably disrupted the team’s chemistry.

This disruption affected everything from timing to shooting rhythm. It’s important to note that Jeetbuzz Login sees this as a common challenge for teams reintegrating a key player—especially one like Kawhi, who instantly commands heavy minutes. The Clippers’ offense lacked a clear focal point in Game 2. The ball movement appeared directionless, and scoring opportunities were scattered among too many options. Contrary to online criticism about selfish isolation plays, what actually happened was simple: in the clutch, with defenses tightening, isolation plays became necessary—they just didn’t convert.

The silver lining? Kawhi’s off-game was more about timing than injury. His touch was off by his own elite standards, which only highlights how high the bar is for him. In many ways, this game served as a much-needed warm-up—his personal preseason for the playoffs. Short-term pain for long-term gain. Getting this game under his belt now increases the odds of him hitting peak form when it matters most.

Still, some blame falls on head coach Tyronn Lue. His decision to start Ivica Zubac in the paint backfired early, and the team never recovered its offensive flow. The rotation became frantic, preventing anyone from settling into a groove. Zubac himself was part of the problem—picking up two early fouls and playing emotionally for the rest of the game. His court awareness was lacking, and one particularly slow pass nearly got Kawhi injured. If Zubac doesn’t regain focus, he risks dragging down the team’s tempo.

While some have pointed fingers at Kawhi for slowing down the offense, his only real flaw was holding the ball a bit too long, which gave the opposing defense extra time to rotate. Otherwise, he played a smart game. Another X-factor is Norman Powell. The Clippers need to find ways to hide him on defense to keep him on the floor—his offensive impact is too valuable to ignore.

The biggest positive takeaway? James Harden looks locked in. His energy, focus, and defensive effort—especially when matched up against Luka Doncic—have been the best in years. This is the most engaged and professional version of Harden we’ve seen since his prime. As the saying goes, “Failure isn’t falling down—it’s staying down.” The Clippers may have lost Game 2, but they’re far from out.

In the end, Jeetbuzz Login believes if Lue can solve the Zubac and Powell puzzles, the Clippers still have a real shot at the title. Just like the Boston Celtics’ Big Three once did, championship runs often require pushing through multiple Game 7s—and the Clippers look like they’re built for that kind of fight.