WATCH: Clippers’ Paul George Scores a Clean Step-Back Three to Give Celtics an Early Scare

The Clippers met the Celtics in an away game after taking a fresh loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, where they faltered in the clutch time. Against the C’s, the LA-based franchise showed a decent fighting spirit but stayed behind for a large part at the beginning of the game. 

Just five minutes into the game, the Clippers were trailing 13-20 and saw All-star Jaylen Brown go ahead, all guns blazing. But the Clippers were not short of answers, with PG looking very much in form and clean in his shot-making.  

Paul George shows early signs of a glorious night 

The 30-YO forward was the only player in the Clippers’ unit who touched the double-figure in Q1. He scored 12 points with the help of a three-pointer that took the C’s by surprise. In the sixth minute into the first quarter, PG was in the possession of the ball while #27 forward Daniel Theis was checking him at the perimeter. After just four dribbles to trick his defender, PG took a winning step-back and dropped a “nice over Theis” three to make the score 19-20. 

PG is enjoying a better season than the last one with the Clippers, averaging 23.4 points, 6.2 rebs, and 5.5 assists in the 26 games he played. What’s even better is that he is making 50.1% of his field goals and converting 45.9% of his three-point attempts, both of which are better figures compared to the 2019-20 season. Steve Ballmer needs him to deliver for the contract he had signed, which has left the franchise with not much salary space.

The Clippers are short-handed against the Celtics

It was Paul George’s team tonight in the absence of star Kawhi Leonard. The Claw had issues with back spasm and was not on the bench to start the game. This hampered their offense against a team with two All-stars in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, coupled with guard Kemba Walker. 

Brown had a 14-point first quarter where he too scored two threes at 100% accuracy. However, the Clippers, thanks to PG’s 21-point first half, showed resilience. Guard Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris added another 20 and helped them take a lead. The score by halftime was 63-62 after Kemba Walker missed his deep-range buzzer-beater attempt to close it.

Read also – Stats Prove Kawhi Leonard-led Clippers Struggling in Clutch Moments Despite Winning Games