The Los Angeles Clippers faced a back-and-forth battle with the Brooklyn Nets down the stretch during the NBA’s Sunday slate. Without Paul George on the court, it proved to be too much for just Kawhi Leonard to overcome as the Nets came out on top with 112-108 being the final score.
Despite being limited to 32 minutes of action, Paul George managed to produce 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. It was just his second game back after being sidelined for seven-games due to a toe injury.
“I was ready to go,” George said, via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “I wanted to keep going. I’m clear, I’m good to go, as of now It’s an afterthought. I’m healthy and I feel good.”
The Clippers faced a deficit as large as 15-points against the Nets and it was Paul George who played a pivotal role in cutting it down to just six points before his performance came to an end. Los Angeles needed to overcome not having one of their superstars for roughly three minutes of action.
It didn’t appear as though Paul George was limited during his final few minutes of gameplay before being held out. In the fourth quarter, he was making big plays offensively by converting on a pair of three-pointers and frequently getting to the free throw line.
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Kawhi Leonard was relied upon to shoulder the load offensively down the stretch and he nearly led the Clippers over the top. An offensive foul on what could have been a drive-and-finish prevented what would have been a 110-110 tie with 8.1 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Nets went on to convert from the free throw line to put them over the top for the victory. It’s difficult to say what would have happened had Paul George been allowed to exceed his minutes restriction, but regardless, this is a loss they would have liked to have back.
The Los Angeles Clippers return to action during the NBA’s Tuesday slate when they host Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards.
