The Clippers were struggling and seemingly losing steam in their past few games. Only accounting for two wins in their past ten contests, the team needed a boost. And boy, did they get one. On March 29th, All-NBA forward Paul George returned for the first time in over 40 games. Paul George’s return did more than give the Clippers an added weapon, it revitalized the team altogether.
After sitting on the sideline with a torn UCL in his right elbow, George made a statement in his return by dropping 34 points on 50% from the field. Not only did George look great, but he led the Clippers back from 25 points down in the third quarter, the same deficit as game 6 of the western conference semifinals. Crypto.com Arena became unglued as George hit bucket after bucket to lead the team back. George reminded the Clipper fans what he is capable of as he hit off-the-dribble threes like no defender was there. Additionally, he was his usual self on the defensive end. Recording four steals, George did not appear to miss a beat as he picked pockets and regained his defensive form.
In addition to his rhythm returning, George made clutch plays down the stretch to seal the game. First, he drove right at the best shot-blocker in the league in Rudy Gobert and converted a tough layup. On the next offensive possession, George got downhill again, but this time he found sharpshooter Luke Kennard for a clutch three to put the Clippers up. It was a storybook ending for Paul George’s return. Another comeback win against the team in which they faced the same deficit in last year’s playoffs. A scenario that would sound crazy if pitched to Hollywood writers.
The Clippers did blow a 16-point lead to the Chicago Bulls in the next game. But their process for most of the game was encouraging. It was also an opportunity to see Reggie Jackson play free without the strain of carrying the entire offensive load. Jackson dropped 34 points and dished seven assists on an efficient 52% clip. The game was also a good opportunity to see the wing-heavy lineup that included George, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, and Marcus Morris. The unit did not play together for long, as Ty Lue was maybe hiding his cards before the playoffs. The end of the game was disappointing, but it isn’t the end of the world that they lost. The offense looks better and the ball was hopping. And heading into the playoffs, teams are looking to peak at the right time. And the Clippers took a step in that direction.
In addition to continuing to build with George, the Clippers supporting cast keeps gaining confidence along the way. Amir Coffey was an integral part of the rotation until George recently returned. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, he returned to the lineup after a myriad of rotation players sat out. Coffey proved why he is worthy of his newly signed NBA standard contract by dropping 32 points, dropping seven assists, and grabbing six rebounds. But, the star of the show was Covington, who dropped career-high 43 points and hit a franchise-record 11 threes. The Clippers battered the defending champs 153-119 and everyone ate. It was a game that gave role players a great opportunity to get quality reps in and build confidence. And with the postseason soon approaching, the Clippers can sleep happily knowing their team is slowly coming together.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
