Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

SAN ANTONIO — Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich met with reporters at shootaround on Saturday morning to confirm Leonard’s status. The All-Star forward sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Game 1 on a controversial closeout involving Warriors center Zaza Pachulia.

“I guess it’s my decision,” Popovich told reporters. “He’s not thrilled that he’s not playing, but he’s not ready, so we’re not going to play him.”

Jonathon Simmons will start in place of Leonard. Simmons had a team-high 22 points in San Antonio’s 136-100 loss in Game 2.

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Kawhi-LeonardG1.jpg.optimal.jpgSan Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard. Eric Gay | AP photo

By Courtney Cronin

The Mercury News