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LA Clippers: 3 reasons fans should still have hope

By Evan Desai

May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) flies to the basket for a slam dunk over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) flies to the basket for a slam dunk over Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 25: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers deeks Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks causing him to fall in the second quarter during game two of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 25: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers deeks Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks causing him to fall in the second quarter during game two of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on May 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /

#2 reason why LA Clippers fans should still have hope: Kawhi/PG have still shown flashes of greatness

The Clippers came into this series with the better duo than the Mavericks.

Doncic has been playing out of his mind all series, and Kristaps Porzingis looked good in Game 2. While that’s true, both George and Kawhi have had their moments too in this series.

Just last game, Kawhi put up 30 points in the first half alone. Now, he only put up 11 in the second half, but he still had a really nice day. The Clippers need just a little bit more consistency from the superstar, but who’s to say they won’t get it as early as next game?

Leonard is usually not someone that is safe to bet against, and he absolutely is capable of playing at his highest level for two halves. Even his performance on Tuesday in Game 2 was still very good. The best part is; he’s capable of even more.

Sure, he didn’t look quite like himself in Game 1, shooting 9-22 and 1-6 from three. He still put up 26 points and 10 rebounds, though. He shut down Porzingis and stole the ball four times.

He’s played just fine in this series.

Paul George, too, has had his moments. Sure, he started off Game 1 cold, and the short-sighted ‘Pandemic P’ jokes were rolling. But, he had a strong second half.

In that second half, he scored 16 points on 7 for 11 shooting. He hit two threes out of five, and looked like the George we know and love.

In Game 2, he built off of that second half and put up 28 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. He’ll get criticized for being 1 of 7 from downtown, but he was 12 of 22 overall. He’s only had one bad half this series.

He’s already turned the page, and if Kawhi and PG can maintain a little bit more consistency heading into Dallas, it’ll be a huge advantage for the rest of the series.

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