Ranking Paul George’s best playoff games as a Clipper

Date: 8/25/2020

Stats: 35 points, 66.7 fg%, 50% 3p%, 100% ft%

During the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Paul George was often viewed as the third best player on the floor. Of course, George’s running mate, Kawhi Leonard, was far and away the best player on the court at all times. Second, was the sensational Luka Doncic.

George had a clear impact on the series but even he knew he was a third stringer. Still, regardless of his overall status in the league at that point in time, George showed out in Game 5. The multiple-time All-Star dropped a game-high 35 points while barely missing a shot, going 12-18 from the field.

His offensive numbers were terrific but George played great defensively. He played a huge role in holding Doncic to arguably the worst game of his playoff career. The young star finished with just 22 points, nailing just 6 of his 17 shots to go along with only a single 3-pointer made.

Thanks to George, the Clippers rolled, winning by 43 points. It was about as lopsided a playoff win as you’ll ever see and Paul George was the one spearheading everything.