Clippers exit interviews: How Kawhi Leonard and Paul George grew as leaders

The Clippers’ season ended Wednesday night in a 130-103 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals.

Here are some takeaways from exit interviews on Thursday (Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, among others, did not address the media):

— Second-year guard Terance Mann was first and discussed how superstar teammates Leonard and George evolved as leaders with the help of coach Tyronn Lue. “I’m not going to lie,� Mann said. “It took time for them to figure out the team, figure out what everybody was about. But a big part of it was having T. Lue back. … He played a big role in helping Kawhi and PG learn the team and lead the team.�

— Center Ivica Zubac, who is under contract for two more seasons, which includes a club option in 2022-23, is hopeful that free agents Nicolas Batum and Reggie Jackson return. He said Batum “did all the little stuff� while adding what Jackson “did in the playoffs was really incredible.�

— Batum, signed by the Clippers after a dismal end to his tenure in Charlotte, was surprised by how his season turned out. “Back in November,� he said, “if someone had told me I’d still be playing basketball in late June and competing for something big and being on the court and playing, I would not believe it.�

— Mann, who not only had a breakout season but also multiple impact games in the playoffs, said he’s ready to improve his game. “Myself, I learned I’m ready to fight when my name is called. … I’m excited to attack this offseason and take my game to the next level.�

— Although the Clippers finished the postseason with Leonard (right knee strain), Serge Ibaka (back surgery) and Zubac (right knee MCL sprain) sidelined, Batum gave a nod to the Phoenix Suns. “If we have no injuries, it certainly would have been different,� he said. “We don’t know, we never know. That’s why Phoenix is a good team. … They find a way to get through adversity.�

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