USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) has the ball knocked loose by Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) has the ball knocked loose by Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers look like they are on a mission to redeem their image after their unexpected fall to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs last season. With a victory against the Sacramento Kings, they are now on a five-game winning streak, holding an 11-4 record. And the man who was the center of all the jokes is now the center of attention in every game. Yes, their star player Paul George.
Paul George working his magic
This is definitely not the PG we saw last season. This time, he is playing like an unstoppable beast, determined to get rid of his ‘Pandemic P’ tag once and for all. Although his nine-game streak going 20 points or more broke against the Kings, he made his contribution through his playmaking skills.
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He touched a career-high of 12 assists and 7 rebounds, along with his 19 points. So, does this streak say anything about the Clippers? As per Kendrick Perkins, “Clippers on a 5 game winning streak is EVERYTHING…Paul George is playing at a MVP level and the Clippers are finally playing inspiring basketball. Just saying tho!”
Clippers on a 5 game winning streak is EVERYTHING…Paul George is playing at a MVP level and the Clippers are finally playing inspiring basketball. Just saying tho! https://t.co/0boIBLf33I
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 22, 2021
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What does this mean for the Clippers?
The Clippers seem to be resorting to a simple formula to get these wins, which is working in every matchup. Drop as many threes as possible and maintain the tightest defense possible. In fact, the margin with which they beat the Kings in their previous battle was astounding. Their first win against them came with 138-100 and the second but easy win came with a score of 115-96.
No matter how lackluster their first half is, the energy they bring in the second half is enough to scare any team. However, some might say that the opponents they have faced the past five games aren’t the best of teams, but it’s giving them the momentum they need for the matchups they have ahead of them.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
If they continue to put up big numbers like this, the Clippers can be a major threat in the West. It’s possible that we might even get our much-awaited LA Clippers vs LA Lakers Western Conference Finals. If that happens, do they have a shot at defeating the reigning champions?
