After an incredible Game 5 performance, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George warns the league that this is what ‘Playoff P’ looks like.
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Following his underwhelming playoffs performance in the Orlando Bubble, Paul George earned several nasty nicknames like – ‘Pandemic P’ and ‘Way Off P’.
Analysts kept criticizing PG13, stating he could never win a championship or even lead his team deep in the playoffs. Clearly, the combo wing has tarnished the reputation he once had of a megastar.
However, it seems as if George has taken all the name-calling and remarks personally and is set to prove all his doubters wrong. This postseason, the 7-time All-Star is playing incredibly well.
On Wednesday night, with Kawhi Leonard sidelined with a knee injury, Paul led his team to a Game 5 119-111 win on the road at Vivint Arena against Utah Jazz.
The Los Angeles Clippers forward was instrumental in Game 5. He stuffed the stat sheet, recording 37 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal while shooting on 55/33/91 shooting splits.
Also Read: Serge Ibaka hilariously roasts ‘Pandemic P’ trolls as ‘Playoff P’ guides Clippers to Game 5 win
“Sure! This is what ‘Playoff P’ looks like”: Paul George
Paul George became only the first Clipper ever to tally 35+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5 assists in a playoff game. This performance was extremely crucial as, now winning three games in a row, LAC has now taken the 3-2 series lead over the Jazz.
Paul definitely must be aware of the several names he has been called over the season. After Wednesday’s game, he subtly warned the league that this version of him is what ‘Playoff P’ looks like. When a reporter asked him:
“Is this what Playoff P looks like?”
PG had a simple answer:
“Uhh… sure?”
Reporter: “Is this what Playoff P looks like?”
Paul George: “Uhh… sure?”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 17, 2021
Well definitely, this is what Steve Balmer and the Clippers organisation are paying George an outstanding $190 million for. While scoring 20+ points in all the 12 playoffs games, PG has been averaging a whopping 25.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in 46/36/90 shooting splits.
Paul George this playoffs:
25.9 PPG
9.3 RPG
5.2 APG
2.8 3PG
46/36/90%
60.2 TS%He’s scored 30+ in three straight games. pic.twitter.com/ZT7J5ss7QN
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 17, 2021
Also Read: Skip Bayless was over the moon after Clippers won Game 5 off PG’s 37 point performance
LAC will need Paul to have consistent outings like these every single night from now. Playing without the likes of Kawhi, a lot of the pressure and expectations will be falling upon George’s shoulders. As both the teams now fly back to LA, the Clippers will hope to finish out the series in Game 6 itself.