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‘We Won’t Want Him’: Clippers’ Paul George Drops a Major Hint on Kawhi Leonard’s Comeback

Published 06/27/2021, 6:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Clippers failed to repeat what they perfectly fabricated against the Mavericks and the Jazz. After losing Game 4, the #4 seed are 1-3 down for the first time in the NBA playoffs 2021. Now, they have a monumental task of copying exactly what the Nuggets pulled against them in the 2020 conference semis.

But Tyronn Lue’s men are at a major disadvantage and it is now coming to haunt them. They do not have Kawhi Leonard in the squad and that’s impacting them from both the ends. Now, just as they enter a do-or-die game, is there even a slight chance that The Claw would join?

Paul George pulls back the curtain on Kawhi Leonard’s comeback odds

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After losing 80-84 to the Suns, the Clippers are now facing a situation similar to the Game 7 condition against the Mavs. However, in that game, they had Kawhi Leonard scoring a 28-point double-double to save the team. Then, 0-2 down against the Jazz, it was again the Claw who brought them back with a 34-point double-double. 

Kawhi was averaging 30.4 points, 7.7 rebs, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals in the playoffs before injuring his knee. These numbers, if not better, are similar to what he produced when he helped the Raptors beat the Warriors in NBA Finals 2019. So, it is natural that his absence is killing the Clippers.

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In the post-game conference, Paul George gave an update on whether Kawhi will show up in this crucial Game 5. 

One must remember how Anthony Davis showed up against the Suns in Game 6 even when he was far from healthy. But expecting the same in this case might be a big ask.

Did Paul George Choke and Cost the Game for the LA Clippers Against the Phoenix Suns?

What led to the Clippers losing in Game 4?

With Kawhi Leonard in the stands, the Clippers were very close to win Game 4 after a Q3 turnaround. However, their play off the rim was very poor the whole night and that cost them heavily. 

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Prior to the game, Paul George was practicing shots from half court and Nicolas Batum from the corner. However, none of that came handy as the Clips registered a 5/31 night from beyond the arc. 

Center Ivica Zubac, who had a career-high 16 rebounds in Game 3, was very physical on Saturday. He did not fear elbowing Jae Crowder and DeAndre Ayton and converted an efficient 13-point double-double. But apart from him, the rest of the side did more wrong than right in the important moments.

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So what do you think, can Tyronn Lue work his magic in Game 5? Help us know in the comments below.

Watch this story – Kawhi Leonard/Paul George and Other Successful Playoff Duos

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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