Ranking Paul George’s best playoff games as a Clipper

Date: 6/16/2021

Stats: 37 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 54.5 fg%

Everything appeared to be stacked in favor of the Utah Jazz. After splitting the first four games in the 2021 Western Conference Semis, the Clippers found themselves without Kawhi Leonard going forward due to an ACL tear. To make matters worse, LA was set to take their act on the road, playing in Salt Lake City.

Unwilling to allow his team to fold under pressure, George led them to a 3-2 series lead after a monster game. George dropped a cool 37 points and crashed the glass for 16 boards. The offense may have been run through him, but George wasn’t selfish. Before the night came to an end, George dished out five assists and played an efficient game, shooting 54.5% from the field.

For George, it was all about coming out early and setting the tone. After playing the entire first quarter and dropping ten points while shooting a shade over 66%, he kept his hot hand going in the second quarter. George finished the first half with 22 points while keeping LA in the game.

As a team, LA closed strong down the stretch. And while George struggled a bit in the fourth, hitting just one of his four shots, he did enough throughout the entirety of the game to hold Utah off.