Watch: "Pandemic P strikes again!" - Paul George misses 4th quarter buzzer-beater 3 against Kings, as Clippers lose 5th straight
The LA Clippers are now 0-5 since the All-Star break after Paul George missed a potential game-winning shot against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. George had a game-high 28 points but couldn't make the game-winning basket.
The All-Star forward, who was hounded by De'Aaron Fox from the backcourt, managed to pull up for a 3-pointer as time expired.
Oh dear. Clippers lose in devastating fashion after a heroic comeback.
youtu.be/WkwVr8nzkNE https://t.co/OlZXts8jB6
Domantas Sabonis broke the tie with a free throw with seven seconds left in the game. The score was 128-127 and the stage was set for "Playoff P" to save the Clippers.
The eight-time All-Star's last-second shot to win the game just didn't go in. He repeatedly motioned to the refs as the final buzzer sounded that he was hit in the arm.
Paul George had a poor start to the game. He had only six points and three assists in the first half on a night where Kawhi Leonard was unavailable. For some reason, Ty Lue allowed him to shoot the ball just four times in the first 24 minutes of the game.
George, however, came up big after the break as he put up 22 points to go with five assists. He was more aggressive as the LA Clippers finally made an effort to get him more involved in the offense.
Before Paul George came up short with the potential game-winning shot, the Clippers looked like they were headed for a win. George drove into the paint for a high-arching bank shot to give his team a 127-126 edge with 33.6 seconds left in the game.
De'Aaron Fox, thinking of going for a 2-1 situation, quickly settled for a jump shot on the other end that rimmed out. The Clippers secured the ball with 27 seconds to add to their lead.
NOT LIKE THIS https://t.co/mGNZT7uTXX
George, who was triple-teamed in the backcourt, managed to throw the ball to Eric Gordon, who promptly passed it to a streaking Russell Westbrook. The former MVP just couldn't hold on to the ball. It was the turnover that started the final sequence that led to the Clippers' heartbreaking defeat.
Paul George and the LA Clippers are in danger of missing the playoffs
After their fifth straight loss, the LA Clippers dropped their record to 33-33 for 8th place in the Western Conference. Their rivals, the LA Lakers, who have a 30-34 win-los card, are stuck in 11th place after last night's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The OKC Thunder and the Portland Trail Blazers both sport a 29-34 record and aren't yet eliminated in the race for at least a play-in spot. One among the Lakers, Thunder and Blazers could still edge the Clippers for the final play-in ticket.
PG and Kawhi blamed Doc Rivers for underachieving… I wonder who they are going to point the finger at next?! Because T-Lue is damn sure not the reason. Real Talk!
Unless Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook figure things out, they could embarrassingly fail to even make the play-in tournament. Considering they were in the top five in the Western Conference two weeks ago, they are now desperately hoping to get back on track.
Kendrick Perkins considered the LA Clippers, because of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and a deep roster, as one of the title-favorites this season. They are not even likely to make the postseason if they continue playing the way they have over the last five games.
You might also like to read: Pandemic P or Playoff P: Why Paul George has become the easiest player to target in the NBA