Ironically happening on the same night as an earthquake, the Paul George to the Clippers news - breaking instantly following the Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers news - was the aftershock that reverberated throughout the NBA world on the night of July 5. George was a six-time All Star and a two-time all defensive team member, and his pairing with superstar Leonard signaled imminent danger to all other 29 NBA teams.
Fourteen games into the season, the Clippers are 9-5, and though we have yet to see the two of them on the floor together - George missed the first 11 games recovery from off-season shoulder surgery and Leonard has missed the last three with a knee contusion - George is already putting his stamp on what he hopes will be a celebrated and accomplished Clipper legacy.
In his first three games in a Clipper uniform, the 29 year old is averaging 29.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. In his first two games - Thursday against the Pelicans and Saturday versus the Hawks - he scored a total of 70 points, setting a franchise record for most points by a player in their first two games in a Clipper uniform. Also remarkable is the fact that he posted the numbers in just 44 total minutes, playing just 20 in Saturday's 37 point effort. Last night against his former team the Oklahoma City Thunder, he finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists on 7/14 shooting in 29 minutes. He also hit the go ahead three pointer last night - with 25 seconds remaining - that gave the Clippers a 89-88 lead, a game that they would eventually win 90-88. According to ESPN Stats and Info, it was his fourth go ahead three point make with 30 seconds or less to go in either the 4th quarter or overtime since last season, which is twice as many as any other player in that span.
While Leonard has missed the last three games, George has put on display his smooth scoring ability that he's always had throughout his career. Last season in Oklahoma City, he was considered by many to be a serious MVP candidate, averaging 28.0 points per game, which was good for second in the league. At 6'9 with long arms and a smooth shooting stroke, scoring comes easy to him, and he's also able to finish well at the rim. Without Leonard, he has filled in that role of ball handler in the big man pick and rolls with Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac, and has done an admirable job. With Leonard a question mark to play Wednesday against the Boston Celtics, we could get another dose of George filling it up and making plays.
When people first heard the news of the Kawhi-PG tandem forming, everyone knew that Leonard was going to be the main guy, and that George was playing the role of sidekick. So while we may not get to see the pairing in action for a little while longer, its nice to see Robin get his shine, adjusting really well to his new surroundings, while Batman recharges.
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