As the 2024 NBA playoffs officially kick off, Los Angeles Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard is finally back in full health.

The Los Angeles Clippers are the hottest team in the league heading into the first round. They will travel to Denver this Saturday to face the defending champion Denver Nuggets. However, the best news for the team is that Leonard is in great shape and can play in the playoffs.

The 33-year-old Leonard has played only two playoff games in the past two years because injuries once kept him away from the court, missing the entire 2021-22 season and leaving the first round of the next two playoffs early. But this time, Leonard said he is ready.

Leonard said in an interview: "I am very happy that I can get to this point. My teammates performed very well in the last period of the season, and I am also very glad to finally return to the court."

"I still love the game, I still have the passion. I love to compete, and that's what keeps me coming back. Life has its ups and downs, and we just have to keep moving forward."

During his comeback, Leonard received full support from the team's management. Leonard revealed that the team allowed him to seek external medical advice and combined the external advice with the team's medical team to help him find the most appropriate way to recover.

Since Leonard regained his rhythm, the Los Angeles Clippers quickly rebounded, winning 18 of the last 21 games of the regular season and playing the league's top offensive efficiency. Leonard scored 33 points in the final game of the regular season, helping the team beat the Golden State Warriors in overtime, demonstrating his return as a king.

Regarding the upcoming playoffs, Leonard seemed calm and determined: "Don't take any opportunity for granted, try your best to play your best performance. That's it, try your best to enjoy the game. Go all out and leave everything on the court. No matter what the result is, you will have no regrets in the summer."