Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard makes return after missing entire 2021-2022 NBA season with injury

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Kawhi Leonard is back on the court, and his presence immediately vaults the Los Angeles Clippers to contenders in a loaded Western Conference. 

Leonard returned to the court Monday night, playing 16 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 11 points and adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. 

Anfernee Simons (1) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Kawhi Leonard (2) of the LA Clippers during a preseason game Oct. 3, 2022, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.  (Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

"It was great," Leonard said of playing again, according to ESPN. "Just being able to put all that hard work that I did throughout the 14, 16 months, just able to put it to test and playing against NBA talent, it was good.

TYLER HERRO, HEAT AGREE TO FOUR-YEAR EXTENSION

"Just being out there with the guys and talking, I missed it. It was a great experience for me."

Leonard sat out the entire 2021-2022 NBA season after tearing his ACL in the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

His absence led to the Clippers having an up-and-down season, going 42-40 in the regular season and losing both games in the NBA’s play-in tournament. 

Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Climate Pledge Arena Oct. 3, 2022 in Seattle. The Clippers won 102-97.  (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

NETS’ KEVIN DURANT READY TO MOVE ON FROM OFFSEASON TRADE REQUEST

"The body feels good," Leonard said. "Obviously, I am not going to be playing 35 minutes, 38 minutes to start, so it is going to be a little shaky early, probably.