If the LA Clippers are going to make a championship run, they’re going to need the best possible version of Paul George.
Paul George has been on a mission since the beginning of the season. He has shot the ball at an efficient rate and continues to lead the way for the LA Clippers in Kawhi Leonard’s absence. For those who are fans of George, this season’s performances are nothing new. But the question is, can he keep the momentum going heading into the playoffs?
The Clippers have continued to be an overlooked championship-contending team. Part of that reason falls on the franchise having high expectations last season before collapsing in the playoffs in the way of blowing a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets.
Although LA lost their championship head coach, Doc Rivers, another championship coach in Tyronn Lue has done a phenomenal job of orchestrating his roster. Led by Leonard and George, the Clippers have remained one of the top three teams in the Western Conference, looking to grow stronger as the season winds down.
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Before the season began, George made it known on his “All The Smoke” interview that he was going to approach this season in attack mode. He explained that he was fully healthy and was willing to do what was necessary for his team. Through this season, George has given an abundance of contributions to the Clippers.
Being an elite player on both ends, his leadership has led a spark in the rest of this team. George may not be an MVP candidate like he was in 2019, but his impact continues to be felt on the floor.
As George is averaging 23.8 points per game on 48 percent shooting, he has continued to put pressure on the defense in Leonard’s absence. He continues to play the drop coverage to success as he finds his rhythm around the mid-range. During the Clippers’ recent road trip, George showed up huge against teams like Philadelphia and Portland. With the season winding down, George has continued to stay healthy and maintain his performance on a nightly basis.
How can the LA Clippers win a championship this season?
Although teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, or Milwaukee Bucks remain people’s favorite to win, the Clippers are not behind. Throughout the season, coach Lue has understood when to make adjustments and how to fit players with one another. Not to mention, the trade for Rajon Rondo has helped the Clippers tremendously with a playmaker who can take pressure off their two stars.
The Clippers may not have the most interesting roster compared to many teams, but the team can execute on both ends to pull away victories.
The question for Paul George is what version will his team get from him? Will he continue his momentum that he has built this season? Or will he turn into the trending topic, “Pandemic P”? As a championship remains on the line in George’s career, he should be more motivated than ever to show up in the postseason.
Luckily, the NBA players will not be isolated in the Orlando bubble, which means that they’ll have an opportunity to play on their homecourt comfortably. As George continues his magnificent season, he must carry it into the postseason with a chip on his shoulder.