Kawhi returns vs. Nuggets after 3-game absence

Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup for the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets after missing the team's last three games with a shoulder injury.

He scored 19 points in the Spurs' 112-80 victory.

Leonard was originally hurt Jan. 5 against the Phoenix Suns, when he was elbowed while trying to fight through a screen, courtesy of Tom Osborn of the San Antonio Express-News. He did not expected the injury to evolve into anything "serious," however.

After missing nearly the first two months of the season due to a nagging quad issue, the Spurs forward made his season debut in December, but has since missed another handful of games due to minor injuries and rest.

In eight games played this season prior to Saturday, Leonard was averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.