Following a 101-90 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Paul George expressed confidence in the Los Angeles Clippers’ ability to rebound, despite Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing knee injury. George highlighted the talent within the team, emphasizing the capabilities of players like James Harden and Russell Westbrook, offering optimism for their prospects moving forward.
Despite a strong start from Harden, who scored 14 points in the first half, his performance waned in the second half, contributing to the Clippers’ loss. This decline marked a trend, as Harden’s impact has diminished over the past two games, resulting in consecutive losses for the team.
Russell Westbrook’s struggles were evident, as he managed just one point on 0-of-7 shooting and was involved in on-court altercations, culminating in his ejection from the game. His performance stood out statistically, becoming the first player since 2005 to record a game with a flagrant foul, multiple technical fouls, and one point or less.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard’s return to the court has been underwhelming, with limited playing time and reduced effectiveness due to his ongoing knee issues. Despite being available for Game 3, Leonard’s impact was minimal, contributing to the team’s offensive struggles alongside George, who also failed to make a significant impact on the game.
With a total of 183 points scored in the last two games, a stark contrast to their performance in Game 1, the Clippers face a crucial Game 4 against the Mavericks to avoid falling into a 3-1 series deficit. Despite their recent setbacks, George’s confidence in the team’s abilities suggests they are poised to mount a comeback in the series.
