Paul George put on an incredible performance in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, and the Clippers ultimately got the win they needed to extend the series. Though he is often the target of criticism, George is reminding people who he is.
He’s On A Heater!π₯
Paul George last 10 games:
— Elite Media Group (@TheEliteMedia_) June 29, 2021
π₯27 PTS 10 REB 6 AST
π₯31 PTS 3 REB 5 AST
π₯31 PTS 9 REB 4 AST
π₯37 PTS 16 REB 5 AST
π₯28 PTS 9 REB 7 AST
π₯34 PTS 4 REB 5 AST
π₯26 PTS 6 REB 6 AST
π₯27 PTS 15 REB 8 AST
π₯23 PTS 16 REB 6 AST
π₯41 PTS 13 REB 6 ASTpic.twitter.com/1ne03jIpBt
Can You Imagine the Immediate Legacy Boost?
What if Paul George is able lead the Clippers back from down 3-1, while then also going on to win the NBA Title with his star teammate sidelined due to injury? What a story that would be, and still could be. There’s no reason to think that Phoenix will suddenly get noticeably better at defending him, despite many attempts.
How Long Can He Sustain This Pace?
Averaging over 40 minutes per game since entering the playoffs, George is far and away the leader in playoff minutes totaling 735 minutes played. Devin Booker is next on the list with 605 minutes.
Most minutes played in the 2021 playoffs
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) June 29, 2021
Paul George: 735
Devin Booker: 605
Reggie Jackson: 585
Trae Young: 568
Nearly 3 whole games worth of minutes separating PG and Book π³ pic.twitter.com/67DXD8Hjt0
Equally If Not More So Surprised Than Anyone Else
As someone that authored a post wondering if the Clippers were about to choke and lose in round one, I am on the list of most surprised by how things have played out since then. Once Kawhi went down with an injury, many were quick to assume the Clippers to no longer be a serious threat to contend for an NBA Title. While I did not write anything following the injury, in my mind the Clippers were done.
Reggie Jackson Is Taking Advantage Of This Opportunity
Sometimes a specific set of circumstances plays out resulting in the perfect situation for certain players. That is exactly what has happened for Reggie Jackson in this years playoffs. With Kawhi getting hurt, the team needed someone to step up to support Paul George’s efforts to help carry the Clippers to the Finals.
REGGIE JACKSON pic.twitter.com/7SLnTca3HF
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 29, 2021
Maybe Doc Rivers Sucks?
Seems like a fair question to ask given his reputation for getting bounced early in the playoffs.
Only Doc Rivers can help the Clippers overcome a 3-1 deficit…by joining the Suns coaching staff before next game pic.twitter.com/oHaSOzwXhl
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 28, 2021