The Clippers have been under a lot of pressure this season. Since their disappointing loss to the Nuggets last season, the team has been subject to barrels of criticism. One player who was the center of it all was Paul George. In their hunt for the maiden title, the Clippers have made a few significant additions to their roster over the last few weeks.
A big signing in the form of Rajon Rondo. A point guard who has often delivered in the playoffs, including last season where he was a pivotal piece for the Lakers. But there was one more signing that did catch a lot of eyes – DeMarcus Cousins. After the Rockets waived Cousins, the center had signed two 10-day contracts back on April 5, and his performances have earned him a contract for the remainder of the season.
In the post-match conference, George was asked about his new teammate. The 7-time All-Star had a few words to say about Cousins’ impact on the court.
“We got a finisher, a playmaker, a three-point shooter. I think what is so great about him is his basketball savviness and IQ. It is a big matchup that we have because he attracts double-teams and is an instant offence force. The more comfortable he gets, the more he will find his way and he will continue to get back to All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.”
Pandemic P or Playoff P? Which Paul George will turn up in the playoffs?
A lot of pressure will be riding on Paul George to deliver in the playoffs.
Paul George’s playoff form has been critiqued for years, while he tries to build a mythology around ‘Playoff P’. However, the nickname is now associated with mockery. After his poor performances last season in the bubble, the nickname ‘Pandemic P’ began to make rounds.
PG came out firing and proving himself to start the season. However, due to injury problems, George missed several games and suffered a drop in form. But things have changed over the last two weeks as the forward has scored 30 plus points in seven of his last eight games.
This has come at an important time in the schedule when the Clippers can gain some ground on the second seed in the conference while also being without several key rotational players.
The team will only go as far as their top-two players, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George take them. PG has averaged 23.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and a career-best 5.3 assists for the season. If George can continue to play at this level in the playoffs, the fans might eventually get to witness the Battle of LA. Lakers vs. The Clippers.
