If Leonard was limited in what he could do, how did he know he was ready to play?

"Just being able to get on the floor and shoot consistent days, able to run," he said. "The last few weeks, I haven't been on the floor, so last couple days, it felt great and was able to play tonight."

Before the game, coach Tyronn Lue said Leonard had "checked every box" to ensure a safe return.

What about contact?

"Tonight," Lue replied.

The minimal buildup was reflected by how Leonard played in the first half, as he had just four points on two-of-six shooting at the break.

The Clippers were down at the break 45-41.

If there is optimism that Leonard can rediscover his form before the Clippers are eliminated — "We'll be able to make it work," Lue said — his eight-point, three-rebound third quarter is the primary reason.

Leonard intercepted a pass and threw down a dunk. He powered his way toward the basket and made a floater. He pulled down an offensive rebound and scored. He sank a jumper from the free-throw line.

"I thought in the second half, in that third quarter, he really got active," Lue said. "Couple of offensive rebounds, putbacks to kind of get him going. As far as getting the rhythm, as far as his plays and getting his shots and things like that, that's going to come."

The Clippers finished the third quarter with a 66-65 lead and led by as many as six points in the fourth. There were moments when they looked like a championship team.

How they actually become a championship team is the question. Leonard thinks he has the answer.

"We gotta be better as a unit overall and it starts with me," he said.

The Clippers have experience with this over Leonard's five years with them, both with missing him for extended periods and with welcoming him back. Only now, the stakes are higher, as their championship window feels as if it's closing.

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