LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Owner Steve Ballmer of the LA Clippers reacts during the first half in game four of the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on June 26, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may just be the happiest person in the City of Angels as his team stayed alive in Game 5.
There was no one more excited than Steve Ballmer as Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers powered to a 116-102 victory on the road in Game 5. The Clippers’ owner was fired up on Monday night as his team fought off elimination. He shared a courtside hug with George after the final whistle.
Now down 3-2 against the Phoenix Suns, the “Comeback Clippers” will need another win on Wednesday to push the Western Conference Finals to Game 7. Luckily, the series is headed back to LA, and a win in Game 6 would give them all the momentum before a Game 7.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates Game 5 win
The Clippers have shown remarkable resilience already this postseason, coming back from 0-2 deficits against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz in the first and second rounds, respectively. This time, Los Angeles is doing it without their best player. The team’s never-say-die, next-man-up mentality is sure to make their owner proud.
With the potential return of Kawhi Leonard looming large, Monday’s win gives Ballmer plenty to be excited about. This is by far their best playoff performance since the former Microsoft CEO bought the team in 2014. The Clippers franchise had never reached the Western Conference Finals before this year, and they’re now two wins away from the NBA Finals. Ballmer’s $2 billion purchase might finally pay off.