LA Clippers: Paul George has a real shot at the NBA scoring title

The NBA scoring title is there for Paul George to take. After leading the LA Clippers to back-to-back wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves, George is second in the league in points per game at 27.9, and he’s not showing signs of slowing down.

After his 21-point performance in a 20-point comeback on Friday, George has scored 20 or more in his last four outings, leading LA to three straight wins. Against the Wolves, he surpassed that mark despite going 0-for-7 from the 3-point line.

With his offensive versatility, George can score from anywhere on the floor, and that’s just one of many things he has going for him in a bid to be the NBA’s 2022 scoring champion.

While many of the game’s stars are seeing their free throw attempts dramatically decrease with the new foul rules, George has actually seen an early increase from last season’s 4.2 to 5.1. As a career 85% shooter from the line, that will be a reliable source for points and should start him with five or six points per game right off the bat.

Beyond his ability to get to the free throw line, Paul George has an advantage in opportunity this season. With Kawhi Leonard likely to miss most or all of the regular season, Tyronn Lue has given George the ultimate green light on offense, and the strategy is paying off.

Paul George’s biggest competition for the scoring champion crown

So far, the top five scorers in the league are Kevin Durant, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan, and Stephen Curry. Durant has James Harden. Giannis has Khris Middleton. DeMar has Zach LaVine. Stephen Curry will soon have Klay Thompson.

The fact is the Clippers need Paul George to have a career scoring year in Kawhi’s absence. There isn’t a long-established scorer on the squad other than George, and they’re already in the bottom third of the NBA in offensive rating for a reason.

While it’ll be a tall order for George to carry the bulk of the scoring load all season, the 31-year-old has appeared more than ready so far. Don’t be surprised to see him continue to add to his MVP case while establishing himself as the league’s best scorer in the process this season.