Kawhi Leonard: 3 LA Clippers who need to step up with Leonard out
By Evan Desai
With Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely with a potentially injured right ACL, three LA Clippers in particular will need to step up.
The LA Clippers are all tied up in their Western Conference Semifinal series at 2-2 with the Utah Jazz, and were really counting on the First-Team All-NBA selection to lead the team through the rest of the series.
‘Out Indefinitely’ doesn’t mean ‘Out for Season,’ but either way, the Clippers around Kawhi need to bear down and prepare to up their games.
No. 1 LA Clipper who needs to step up with Kawhi Leonard out: Paul George
Paul George has returned to ‘Playoff P’ for the LA Clippers in these past couple of games. In the two LA games of this series, George has averaged 31 points per game and he’s grabbed six rebounds per game.
He’s shooting a nice .477 from the field, and a deadly .500 from three. He can’t be stopped right now.
All PG needs to do is be that version of himself and the Clippers absolutely are still in this series.
George is making almost $35.5 million this year. This is a huge opportunity for him to earn it. PG has what it takes to carry a team.
Heck, he almost more-or-less carried the Pacers to a playoff series win vs. LeBron James in 2013. George is 31 now, and absolutely can and should be up for the challenge.