After missing around 3 months, Paul George took no time becoming a factor again. George made his return Tuesday night vs the Utah Jazz. After trailing for a majority of the game and going into the half down 61-48 the Clippers were chalked up for a tough loss, with little hope heading into the postseason. However, George was able to turn it around and carry them to a victory. He finished with 34-points on the night.
This game, although just one, maybe an important one for the Clippers. They are currently the 8th seed in the Western Conference. They needed something from George and he exceeded expectations. Coming off of an injury nobody expects much from you. All they were hoping for was a safe return to play, not the number one player on the court.
Important
The Clippers have a lot to be excited about in terms of the return of Kawhi Leonard. Let’s not forget that at one point in time, Kawhi was considered the best player in the world. It’s suspected that he will be returning from injury as the playoffs begin. With Kawhi and PG together it’s no secret that they are a different team. As an 8th seed, they’ll have a top team to face in round one of the playoffs. They could come out of nowhere and spoil the parties going on in Pheonix or Memphis.
Seeing how fresh George was, I’d expect Kawhi to come back similarly. Ready to go and ready to be an immediate factor. With PG playing at this level alongside a playoff Kawhi, things could get nasty in the Western Conference.
Kawhi is historically a different animal in the playoffs.
So that was a pretty special series from Kawhi Leonard – 2nd highest eFG% for a player averaging 30+ ppg in a playoff series in the last 55 years. pic.twitter.com/k6thVpJSO7
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) June 7, 2021
Surprisingly Kawhi had one of his greatest playoff performances just last year on the Clippers.
He is statistically of the greatest when it comes to the playoffs. Last year, in a five-game stretch, he literally did not miss in the fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard is still perfect in 4th quarters in Clippers wins this playoffs.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 13, 2021
43 MINS
43 PTS
16-16 FG
4-4 3P
7-7 FT pic.twitter.com/0MhgYnVaWH
From his days with the Spurs to the legendary Toronto run, Kawhi has already been given his access key to the Hall of Fame.
Kawhi is Accomplished
A look back on his accomplishments:
- 2x Finals MVP
- 2x Defensive POY
- 2019-2020 MVP
- NBA 75th Anniversary team
Kawhi, PG, and the Clippers may be a sleeping giant.
Depending on the timing of Kawhi’s return they could be planning a sneak attack on the NBA Finals. At this moment the Clippers are +5000 to win the NBA Finals on MGM Sportsbook.
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