NBA 2021 playoffs: Paul George silences the critics of the playoffs with the fifth historic game | NBA.com France

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Behind a historic performance by Paul George, the LA Clippers avoided elimination in Game 5 and forced Game 6 in Los Angeles.

The 6-foot-8 wing became the first player in franchise history to record at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists with his career-high playoffs of 41 points, 13 rebounds, six assists. decisive and three interceptions on a super efficient 15-of. -20 shots from the field.

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He carved his name in the record books, becoming the first player to score over 40 points while shooting at least 75 percent from the field, 50 percent from beyond the arc and a perfect 100 percent from the free throw line.

Paul George has built up over 20 PTS in the 18 games he played in the playoffs.

The only other players in NBA history to score at least 20 in their first 18 games of a single NBA Playoffs are Michael Jordan (1992, 1997, 1998), Kobe Bryant (2008) and Kevin Durant (2012 , 2018). pic.twitter.com/bRPRxtlEFK

NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 29, 2021

“PG has been great for us all year,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said after the game. “I just don’t understand why [it’s] got so much amplified when he’s not playing well, when he has a bad game because a lot of people are playing badly. “

After riding Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson in the first half, the duo accumulating 34 of the team’s 59 points, George took over in the second half. He scored 30 of his 41 points after halftime, including a third of 20 points. quarterback, carrying the team and helping them resist Suns gatherings.

TAKE AWAY: PG drops career playoff record 41 as music videos force Game 6

Like Lue, DeMarcus Cousins, who played a pivotal role in that game by scoring a career-high 15 playoff points in just 11 minutes in Ivica Zubac’s absence, also voiced his opinion on the unfair criticisms that George has received in the past.

“I don’t know where these lagging bulls are coming from,” Cousins ​​said after the game. “The internet is controlling the accounts of these players, it gets silly. He’s one of the most special players in tying shoes. Give this man his flowers.”

George, meanwhile, was modest and thoughtful in his post-game on-field interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols.

“I didn’t shoot the ball well this whole series. At one point I had to break through,” he said. “My teammates carried me, honestly, they carried me. Tonight, I had to get out of it.

Background to the Clippers’ victory over the Suns in Game 5:

The Clippers now have 7 wins when lagging behind in a playoff series, the most in a single playoff season in NBA history

Paul George is the 2nd player with 40 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 75% shots in a playoff game, joining Patrick Ewing. pic.twitter.com/Rb5k00pgpB

ESPN Stats and News (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 29, 2021

The seven-time All-Star doesn’t need a big game to respond to the unfair criticism he receives on a regular basis. He shared after the game that he didn’t mind it, but he believes he is unfairly chosen more than the rest of the league.

“It’s the honest truth, it’s a fact,” said George. “I can’t worry about that. It comes with work, I guess.”

These harsh evaluations of his performance on the biggest stage have been going on for a few years now, but George is “beyond that”.

“I am who I am. I wish I could shoot 80 percent every night… They can judge me on whatever they want. That part doesn’t matter to me. I’ll go and go and hoop and give is all I got. “

Not just for Game 5, but the remaining games as well, George believes the “one game mentality” is the way forward for the Clippers.

“The point is, they have to beat us. It’s a game for us, and it’s a game for them.”

After emptying it in the Game 5 win, the Clippers put themselves in a position to tie the series in Game 6, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30 at 9 p.m. ET.

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its clubs.

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