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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Clippers are now the second name for creating turnarounds, sometimes for worse and the other times for good. It was the second case for them on Friday night in Staples Center where they defeated the Jazz 131-119. 

In the absence of Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers showed tremendous character and knocked out the league toppers in Utah. Coming back from 0-2 down in the series, the Clips won four back-to-back games to reach their first-ever conference final in 51 years of franchise history. It was a night to remember for Tyronn Lue and men. 

When Paul George paid honor to Donovan Mitchell

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USA Today via Reuters

Terence Mann played the role of Kawhi Leonard in Game 6, scoring at 71.4% efficiency and making two successful steals too. It was only because of him that the Clippers saved Los Angeles a hope for becoming a champion city even with the Lakers knocked out. It was mainly because of him that the Clips scored 80 points in just 22 minutes even as they bounced back from a 25-point deficit.

But one must not forget how Paul George had scored a 37-point double-double in Game 5 and now 28 crucial points in Game 6. He showed why Playoff-P is not a fad or a fluke, and that he deserved his respect. Moreover, this gesture from PG towards an equally good Spida after the game was even greater. Take a look at how the Clippers’ leader paid his highest respect to the losing leader –

Read more – ‘Squeezed the H-ll Out’: Former Lakers Champion Responds to LeBron James’ Comments on Playoff Injuries

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The Clippers and their crucial comeback

Reggie Jackson and Terence Mann in the second half took the hat of Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson from the first half. The relentless attack from Reggie awarded him 27 points in total and 22 crucial ones after halftime. It’s surprising how Reggie was scoreless until the last two minutes of Q2 and then produced a game-winning play. In those two initial quarters, it were just Terence Mann and Paul George who had kept the Clips in the game. 

For the Jazz, the second half was a nightmare. They had Donovan Mitchell turning his ankle, the in-form Jordan Clarkson playing just 26 minutes, and Rudy Gobert proving a flop. Rudy was the worst in team’s +/- with -21 and that was a major reason why the Clips ruled inside the paint.

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Interestingly, it will now be Chris Paul playing his former team in the conference final. Although CP3 is yet to clear his safety protocols one can hope he’d be playing. Who do you think will win the WC title? Help us know in the comments.

Watch this story – Kawhi Leonard – Paul George and Other Greatest NBA Duos