By John Galietta

Still Alive!!

Los Angeles Clipper’s star Paul George poured in 41 points as the Clippers defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-102 on Monday night. Despite missing superstar Kawhi Leonard due to injury, they avoided elimination and brought the series to 3-2 in the 2021 Western Conference finals. The Clippers started game 5 on a 20-5 run, and they maintained their lead throughout the first half. Coupled with George’s spectacular performance, the Clippers’ trio of Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Demarcus Cousins combined for 60 points and 10 rebounds

Paul George has 20 points in all 18 games this postseason.

He’s the 4th player to open a postseason with a streak that long:

Michael Jordan (1992, 1997-98)
Kevin Durant (2012, 2018)
Kobe Bryant (2008)
Paul George (2021) pic.twitter.com/YGQwA6K6T8

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 29, 2021

Playoff P Is Back!

With Phoenix one win away from a finals berth, and the Clippers missing two key starters in Leonard and center Ivica Zubac due to injuries, the Suns were heavily favored to win. Credit where credit is due to Paul George, coming in clutch for the Clippers just as he did in their series against the Utah Jazz. After only dropping 11 points in the first half, he scored 30 in the second. This was the most he’s ever scored in a playoff game, helping LA stave off elimination.

“I thought I didn’t rush or jack shots up to start,” George said. “I didn’t believe I rushed it. I was able to get an easy and one layup to start the game. I was, at that point, making plays for others. So I felt like I was able to ease myself into the game, as opposed to coming out, jacking 10 shots in the first quarter. I just let the game come to me, and I thought it was great.”

Back To LA

Despite the loss, the Suns were still able to put up a fight. Suns stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul lead the charge with Booker putting forward a valiant effort of 31 points, four rebounds, and three assists. In addition, Paul contributed 22 points and eight assists himself. However, Paul hasn’t shot the ball well since returning earlier in the series from the league’s health and safety protocol. The Suns are only one win away from their first finals appearance in almost 30 years. They will now have a chance to end that long drought in game 6 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals, and even perhaps send the Clippers packing on their home court.

On the other hand, The LA Clippers are the only team to come back from 2-0 deficits in the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs Can the Clippers recapture some of that comeback magic one more time?

Ty Lue is calm under pressure.

He’s 10-2 all-time when facing elimination and 3-0 so far in the 2021 playoffs. pic.twitter.com/8b12HtcLVn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 29, 2021