And Kawhi Leonard, who had arguably been the best postseason performer in the league to that point, would not be available after suffering a knee injury late in Game 4.
We’ve been in these situations before, but guys had to step up and be ready to play.
In addition to George’s night — something we’ll get into shortly — the Clippers also got huge performances from their role players.
There may not be a more scrutinized player in professional basketball than Paul George.
George began his Wednesday by reassuring coach Lue, saying, “T, I got us,” before beginning his morning shootaround.
“He’s here in the NBA for a reason and what he’s done for us throughout the year.
In a word, George’s performance was historic.
I just dug into a place that I’ve already been in my career, and again, it just came down to trust.
As terrific as Paul George was in Game 5, he wasn’t the only reason why the LA Clippers were able to pull off the upset.
Reggie Jackson sits atop the list.
The 31-year-old has hit tough shot after tough shot, bailing the Clippers out of countless seemingly wasted possessions.
He’s consistently stepped up in the absence of both Leonard and George this season, and he did so again in Game 5.
Somehow, someway, he always seems to be exactly where the ball is, whether he’s crashing the defensive glass and intercepting passes.
And then there’s Terance Mann, a second-year swingman who plays with the know-how and maturity of a seasoned veteran.
“I’m very proud of our guys,” Lue said after the game.
It’s not an easy thing to lose your star player — especially when said player has scored more points in the 2020-21 playoffs than any other in the league.
Considering the circumstances, it would be easy for the Clippers to fold here and call it a season.
“We didn’t want to let down, let off the gas just because gone and give ourselves an excuse,” Jackson said.