Paul George is having a terrific 2021 NBA playoffs with the Los Angeles Clippers. The veteran swingman vowed to return better this season, and he’s fulfilling that promise with incredible performances in each of the three rounds he’s played.
Just when people believed he would suffer from not having Kawhi Leonard by his side, PG13 showed up and became the leader the Clippers needed this postseason. After dropping 37 points in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, NBA fans were in awe of the former Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder star.
Redditor ‘clayfu‘ took a deep look into George’s numbers since Kawhi went down with a knee injury, finding out that the player has recorded great games without his teammate on the court.
Since Kawhi went down with his knee injury – Paul George has averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 8.6 FTA in the last 5 Clippers playoff games.
Leonard suffered this injury after Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Utah Jazz. George responded with 37 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists in the Clippers’ 119-111 win. He closed things out with 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists to take his team to its first WCF appearance in franchise history.
In Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals, George posted 34 and 26 points, respectively, keeping the Clippers close to the Phoenix Suns in each game. In Game 3, with the Clippers in a difficult position, PG dropped 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished 8 assists. In 16 games this postseason, the player averages 26.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per outing (per StatMuse).
After being blasted by fans in the last two seasons, George has redeemed himself this campaign. He knew he had to come back to those Pacers days, changing his mind when Kawhi got hurt. Even after missing two clutch free throws in Game 2, he hasn’t lost confidence and fans have noticed that.
The NBA community is pleased to see how he overcame all these bad moments and now is the reason why the Clippers are still alive against the Phoenix Suns. The whole ‘Pandemic P’ narrative is over, with PG playing great basketball under Tyronn Lue.
He’s been great. People really don’t talk about his timely shots, he always seem to stop momentum from building by hitting a tough shot to break a run. And his defense, boards and passing has all been very good
It’s tough for him to be efficient with this much usage, and the biggest thing with that is he still lacks the inside game to get baskets when the jumper isn’t falling
No one can score efficiently entirely on jump shots, every game.
Luckily role players have stepped up on the efficiency side
His aggression is key. His driving not only makes him less predictable but it also opens up the whole offense and his improved playmaking allows him to capitalize on that, I think thats been huge and it has improved his floor drastically. His jumper will fall eventually he’s too good a shooter for it not to
He’s also got unpredictable speed when he’s driving. There’s so many drives where it seems like he’s not explosive and going half speed but then he gets to the hole or draws the foul every time
He’s so damn good
He’s settling for less for jumpshots and attacking the rim way more and I think that’s the main thing he changed since okc and it’s paying off.
His shooting is very inconsistent and streaky, his FTs and finishing are not. I’m a hater but I love to be proven wrong.
Not even since OKC. Since Kawhi went down, his play has been much more aggressive. I like seeing this version is PG.
You might say he’s doing too much (or trying to), but he seems to be the only one on the Clippers right now who can create shots.
what I need him to do is to posterize Ayton like what he did to Birdman
He’s been pretty dank with the obvious exception of those 2 FT’s. The bully ball thing is really going well for him even when the jumpers aren’t falling.
I’m happy for him. Revenge season. Please win the title.
Performant P
Transcendant P
PG with the Goku power up boost
I love his confidence. After being mocked the whole year, and having bad games, he’s still there trying hard. So, my respects PG, you deserve a ring, I don’t really like Clippers, but I like you.
Although players like Trae Young and Devin Booker are stealing the show in their first playoffs appearance, it’s good to see other stars like PG and Giannis Antetokounmpo showing they can lead teams to important stages.
