In a mist of a back-to-back The Clippers’ decision to rest Kawhi Leonard due to loan Management for Wednesday nights game against the Milwaukee Bucks was a big deal.

Now it’s not in anything that should concern Clippers fans but encourage them about the team’s long term plan. In Kawhi’s absence, Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell co-leading the team with 34 apiece.

Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 38-point, 16-rebound, and nine-assist in the Bucks 129-124 victory. As on of six Bucks in double digits, George Hill chipped in 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting (6-of-7 from three-point range) off the bench.

Milwaukee led into the third before the Clippers tied it at 83. In which the Bucks responded with a 10-0 run, but the Clips cut the lead down to 126-124 following a Landry Shamet three-pointer with 23.2 seconds left in the game. Eventually, the games were won at the line as Antetokounmpo knocked down the free throw to seal the win.

This early-season matchup the league MVP vs. Finals MVP would have been great to see, but with the Clippers at 5-2 going into the game a loss won’t hurt the team that much. This team is focused on the bigger picture of having Kawhi during a grueling playoff stretch. Various reports came out leading up to the game that Kawhi dealing with a knee injury, and the NBA agreed that he’s “not sufficiently healthy to play in back-to-back games at this time.”

“I’m a fan of basketball as well, not just a coach. I feel for that. I understand that,” said Head Coach Doc Rivers “We obviously have to do what’s right by our players. We have to. It’s our duty.”

The 35 to 40 mins he would’ve played was spread amongst his teams, giving young players much-needed experience early in the season. This could only prove to be beneficial for the team. Imagine if a key piece was to go out due to a bad matchup, a suspension, or injury. Now the young players who played minutes during those nights of Kawhi’s load management nights have not only the confidence but experience to play in those high-pressure moments.

Giving Head Coach Doc Rivers a better look at each individual on the team could help him formulate specific rotation to use for the unpredictable of the NBA playoffs.

The Clippers will play the second game of this back-to-back hosting the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET.