Spurs' Danny Green thinks he knows why Popovich sat Kawhi in Game 3 vs. Warriors

The Spurs lost a third straight game in the Western Conference finals without Leonard on the floor

With three full days off between Game 2 and Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, fans were hopeful that Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard might be healthy enough to play on Saturday night. He didn't, and the San Antonio missed him dearly once again, suffering a 120-108 loss to fall into an 0-3 hole against the Warriors.

Before the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said that it was his decision to hold Leonard out of Game 3.

Pop on Kawhi: "I guess it's my decision. He's not thrilled that he's not playing, but he's not ready, so we're not going to play him."

— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) May 20, 2017

While the rumor mill is spinning about whether Leonard's injury is more severe than the team is letting on, Spurs guard Danny Green offered his own explanation as to why Popovich decided to hold him out.

Danny Green says other teams would have guys play w/ "broken bones, missing fingers," but #Spurs "care about guys' bodies and careers."

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) May 20, 2017

Green could be right that Kawhi conceivably could have played through injury in Game 3, and he is definitely right that the Spurs actively attempt to increase the longevity of their players' careers through rest. But let's not pretend this is some magnanimous gesture.

The Spurs are protecting their best asset, just like they would at any other time -- regular season or playoffs. Popovich knew that a limping Kawhi Leonard wouldn't significantly improve what little chance they had to win the series anyway, so he made the decision not to risk further injury to his franchise player. It's really a simple decision.

You have to think that if this was Game 7 of the NBA Finals, however, Popovich might have thought a little harder about letting Kawhi play.