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Paul George, LA Clippers Ready for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & OKC

By Michael Hanich

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 18, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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This Friday night will be a huge game for the LA Clippers (11-4) as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder (6-7). This matchup will of high significance for the Clippers and the Thunders as well as the fan bases for the team.

This game will be the fifth-time they take on former Clipper and current Thunders starting point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This will also be the third-time that Clippers shooting guard/small forward Paul George will take on his former team in the Thunder.

For the longest time, the Clippers drafted more misses than hits in terms of finding consistent productivity on the team. Shai was a player that excelled in his first year with the Clippers in a roster that had Tobias Harris for half of a season along with Danilo Gallinari, Pat Beverley, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell as on-the-court leaders.

In his rookie year in the 2018-2019 NBA season, Shai averaged 10.8 points per game shooting a field-goal percentage of .476% and a three-point shooting of .367%. Despite a stellar first season with the Clippers, Shai and Gallinari were traded along with five first-round picks in exchange for forward Paul George, who would have finished his second season with OKC. This trade move also ensured the Clippers would acquire star free agent small forward Kawhi Leonard. While the Clippers needed to make this move, it was a move that was a surprise to Clipper Nation and broke some hearts.

The Clippers have met with the Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander four times last season. Los Angeles won three of the four matchups with the only loss coming in the second matchup of the season in Oklahoma City with a 118-112. This was the first game of Paul George back in OKC where he was welcomed positively by the Thunder crowd. This was also a game where Leonard and Beverley didn’t play. Shai led both teams in points scored that night with 32 shooting 12-of-25 and 2-of-3 from the three-point arc.

The LA Clippers cannot let Shai Gilgeous-Alexander get going.

In 13 games played this season, Shai leads the Thunder in points per game with 21 points and assists per game with 6.2. He is playing a great blend of well-balanced basketball on the offensive and defensive end of the court. Tonight will be a game where Beverley needs to pressure Shai in forcing a mistake in passes in his shot selection. The Clippers will need to be careful in their passing procedures so a defensive dominant player like Shai doesn’t capitalize on the mistake.

Los Angeles is coming into this game with one of the most efficient offenses in the league. They are ranked seventh in the league in points per game (114.9), fourth in field-goal percentage (48.6%), and first in three-point shooting percentage (44.1%). The Thunders’ defense ranks 21st in points allowed per game (112.6), 17th in field-goal percentage allowed (46%), and seventh in three-point shooting percentage allowed (35.6%).

George continues to shoot at a high-level this season from all over the court for the Clippers. George is averaging 24.4 points per game on a 51.4% field-goal percentage and a three-point shooting of 50.5%. He is sixth in the league in three-point shooting percentage and the only player to make more than three three-point shots per game.

This will be a game where Leonard’s shot selection will be highly significant. In the last three games for the Clippers, Leonard has made over 59% of his total shots. He will continue to lead the triangle offense established by first-year head coach Ty Lue.

Handing out player awards through 15 games. dark. Next

The Clippers are going into this game tonight as a 13-point favorite over the Thunder. Even without Chris Paul, the Thunder are a dangerous team due to the versatility and playmaking abilities of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Clippers have a talented roster in their starters and bench players that will help them remain consistent on the court.

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