The Los Angeles Clippers led by superstar Paul George wasted no time in getting back to winning ways after their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a few days ago. Playing at their homecourt, the Clippers showed out against OKC with massive passion and aggression which eventually led to them rejoicing with their fans at home.
The Thunder who have been playing beautiful basketball all season, stood no chance against their opposition’s exploits led from the front by none other than Paul George himself. However, George’s vision for the Clippers did not sit right with NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal.
Paul George inspires Clippers to beat OKC Thunder
In an attempt to continue the positive momentum the team have been carrying all season, the Los Angeles Clippers pulled out all the stops to prevent the Oklahoma City Thunder from securing a win against them. The team were led by Paul George who stepped up massively to ensure his team’s rampant efforts did not go in vain.
The elite two-way guard scored a season-high 38 points against his former team, as the Clippers beat their Western Conference competition in a game that ended 128-117. It was a game of dominance from Paul George. The eight-time all-star maximized his clutch gene scoring 18 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter when his team desperately needed him. George did not let anyone down and ticked all the right boxes for the night.
Scoring 38, the star shot an efficient 6 of 12 from the arc, while also having 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He topped it off which his grit on the defensive end, snatching 3 steals and not having a single turnover through the game. Truly, a night to remember. George was not alone in battle. Complementing the guard were Kawhi Leonard and James Harden who chipped in with 16 points each.
With the win, the Clippers improved to 26-14 and sit comfortably at the 4th seed in the Western Conference. The team from LA have put the league on notice after they went 8-2 over their last 10 games with ease. Since December, the Clippers have been on a hot streak with a league-best 18-4 record.
While the Clippers ended the night victoriously, the players on the Thunder too had memorable performances. Jalen Williams had a very consistent night, scoring 25 points while shooting 10-14 from the field.
As the game drew to a close, Lakers legend and NBA on TNT host Shaquille O’Neal seemed displeased with Paul George’s approach towards to the Clippers’ chances this season.
Shaq not happy with Paul George’s mindset
Following Paul George’s stellar night which saw the Clippers close out the game against the 2nd seed in the Western Conference, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was disappointed with George’s comments post-game.
The four-time champion, Shaq seemed quite critical of Paul George’s humility when he was asked about the Clippers title chances this season. When asked by Shaq about how far the star-studded Clippers could go this season, George humbly replied saying that the team could go as far as they wanted to go.
George’s exact answer to the question was, “We’re in the drivers seat… We can go as far as we want to go.”
This was not appreciated by Shaq who expected a more raw, aggression filled response from the Clippers superstar. Speaking on George’s response, Shaq later said, “I would’ve liked him to say ‘We can win the championship’.
“I would’ve liked him to say, ‘We have all the ingredients to win a championship'”, Shaq added. The legend wanted a response that was filled with confidence and belief.
As Charles Barkley’s ex-team LA Clippers continue to dominate the game, there is no doubt that they are emerging contenders for the NBA title this season and it could finally bring an end to their half a century long title drought.
Do you think the Clippers can make winning strides this season? Is Shaq right in criticizing Paul George’s approach? What are your opinions on the Los Angeles Clippers this season? We are eager to know them, so feel free to comment below.
