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Pandemic P is trending on Twitter, even after Paul George and the Clippers won Game 6 in Dallas.
George and the Clippers forced a Game 7, winning their third straight game in Dallas over the Mavericks. Despite 29 points from Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard proved far too much for the Mavs to handle.
Leonard scored 45 points on18-of-25 shooting. George, meanwhile, chipped in 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting. For just about anyone else, that would be a respectable shooting night, but given George’s reputation in the playoffs of late, he needed to be better in a potential elimination game.
For some, though, the blame shifted towards Kristaps Porzingis. The former Knicks trade acquisition scored just seven points on 3-of-7 shooting in 31 minutes of action. As the supposed No. 2 to Doncic, that’s not nearly good enough.
NBA Playoffs: ‘Pandemic P’ trending once again after Clippers win Game 6
Losing in the first round isn’t an option for this Clippers team. They’re just a year removed from a disappointing exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in the bubble.
Kawhi’s contract will play a major role in how the Clippers shape their offseason. Leonard has a player option, and it’s likely he’ll opt out in search of another max deal at a younger age.
The Clippers would rather not think of any of that yet, and it’s fair. With Leonard and George under contract, Los Angeles has as good of shot as anyone to win the West, especially with LeBron and the Lakers heading home.