Paul George, Clippers stars draw savage backlash after Mavericks demolition

Clippers stars struggle without Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard has only played in Games 2 and 3 but he was clearly limited due to a knee injury. His availability for the remainder of the series is very much in doubt, which means George, Harden, and Russ have to step up. Well, that did not happen in perhaps the most important contest of this first-round matchup.

While PG had 15 points and 11 rebounds, he was just 4 for 13 from the field and 2 for 6 from three-point land. In these playoffs, he’s averaging only 19.8 PPG. Not good enough when you’re the main option.

As for The Beard, he scored seven points in Game 5. Yes, the guard has been better in the series with averages of 22.2 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, but performances like this simply cannot happen. Harden was 2 for 12 from the field on Wednesday and 1 for 7 from deep. We’ve seen him have massive games and then no-show just days later several times before, especially with the Philadelphia 76ers.

As for Westbrook, he’s not exactly the same player of the past, but he shot 2 for 11 from the field in the loss for a total of six points in 15 minutes of action. Although Russ isn’t getting a ton of playing time, the Clippers expect more out of him.

LA on the verge of elimination

Youth appears to be taking over. LeBron James and Kevin Durant were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. One more loss and PG, Russ, and Harden will be heading home, too.

It won’t be easy heading back to Dallas with their season on the line, but Clippers head coach Ty Lue remains confident in his group. Via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk:

“We just didn’t play well, all around, defensively, offensively,” Lue said. “We just didn’t play a good game, and that’s OK. Turn the page. You still got to win four games, and we know we [can] win on that floor.

“We were down 3-2 [in 2021]. We didn’t play our best game and we understand that. I think we all understand that collectively. So we’ll be better for Game 6.”

This is not an unfamiliar spot for the Clippers, as Lue pointed out. They proceeded to grab back-to-back wins in 2021 to advance against the Mavs. Plus, they should have no shortage of motivation considering Wednesday marked the ugliest playoff loss in franchise history.

“Mentally, knowing that if we lose Game 6, our season’s over,” Lue explained. “So if you’re a competitor, and you know what the playoffs are all about, then you will be ready to go on Friday.”

Tip-off at the American Airlines Center is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET on Friday.