After last year's playoff disaster, here's something to root for.
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The list of what NBA fans should root for with the remaining teams in the playoffs — if you’re not a die-hard of any of the four final squads — should start with Chris Paul getting his first ring.
And while that list can also include “the Greek Freak finally ascends to the top” and “Trae Young wins a title at age 22!!” there’s also one that’s emerging for the Clippers (aside from L.A. winning its first title).
How about redemption for Paul George?
It was last year that he looked lost in the bubble playoffs, shooting 43 percent from the field in a seven-game loss to the Denver Nuggets. Fans parodied his “Playoff P” nickname with a terrible version that has dogged him ever since, including when Los Angeles handed him a massive new contract.
On Thursday night, he delivered as he did in the last series against the Jazz: despite hitting just 3-of-11 from distance, he had a 27-point, 15-rebound, eight-assist, one-steal night to lead the Clippers to a 106-92 win.
It didn’t totally erase the two missed free throws late in Game 2 that then led to the Deandre Ayton dunk (an aside: Valley Oop is SUCH a good nickname). But George has the chance to put the awful nickname and perception that he can’t deliver when the pressure is on behind him, especially now that the spotlight is very much on him with Kawhi Leonard out.
So far, he’s shouldering the scoring load even if there have been shooting struggles from time to time with eight straight playoff games of 27 points or more. He’s scored 20-plus in 16 consecutive contests, joining an exclusive list of legends.
If we aren’t getting a CP3 ring, this might be the next best thing. What a redemption story it would be.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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