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Even when SDSU’s Leonard is sick, so’s his game

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Kawhi Leonard’s game is sick. He might be again tonight.

San Diego State’s versatile forward needed yakked before last week’s BYU game and need an IV to fight dehydration. More of the same might be needed before tonight’s game at Colorado State.

Leonard says high-altitude games make him “feel different, kind of weird,” according to a San Diego Union-Tribune story. He says it’s been a problem in the past, though coach Steve Fisher isn’t buying it.

“I’m going to say no,” Fisher told the paper. “If you’re not careful, it could become psychological. But I have no idea what it is. I don’t know if it’s nerves, or something else.”

Thing is, that “sickness” doesn’t faze Leonard.

The paper did a stat comparison for normal elevation games – 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds in 46 games – compared to the nine altitude games he’s played – 16.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and a shooting percentage four points higher. In three high-altitude games this year, he’s dropping 20.3 points an outing and grabbing 13 rebounds.

Pardon the pun, but that’s sick.

Several times during the Aztecs’ loss to BYU last week, I wondered if Leonard, not Jimmer Fredette, was the best player on the court. In 36 minutes, he was all over the court with help defense, grabbing rebounds (15) and hitting shots (22 points). That’s something Fisher does agree with.

“He played like a champion,” Fisher told the paper. “He fought hard. Once he got going, he wasn’t thinking, ‘I was sick two hours ago.’ ”

Want more? I’m also on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.