The Los Angeles Clippers suffered their season defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday on home court. It was a close game throughout as both teams tried to outdo each other. But of all the things that contributed to the defeat, not having a player like Paul George in the last quarter headlines it.
George was the highest scorer for the Clippers with 34 points in only 33 minutes in which he also mustered seven assists. The Nets simply did not have the answers for the 30-year old. However, head coach Tyronn Lue thought of something and held one of his best players with 2:50 still remaining in the fourth quarter.
Geroge was evidently frustrated with Lue’s decision as he said, “Man, I think you know the answer to that. I was ready to go. I wanted to keep going.”
Leu had his reasons and his actions are justified when you think about the fact that George had just returned to action in the previous game against the Utah Jazz after spending 16 days on the sidelines due to a toe injury.
The six-time All-star was diagnosed with bone edema but he feels that he was ready to go on.
“I’m clear, I’m good to go, as of now,” George asserted.
With the result going against them, Lue has faced immense backlash because of his decision to not use Paul George in the clutch moment when the Clippers were trailing. But the 43-year old could not simply risk one of his best players especially after he started the fourth quarter.
“I thought the game kind of got out of hand and we had to bring him back to get the game close,” Lue mentioned. “And he played well and played good to get us back in it, and then it’s a tough decision.
While even without one of their stars on the court, the Clippers fought toe to toe with the Nets but they ended up second best on the night. Kawhi Leonard tried his best and gave his all but a controversial call towards the end changed the scenario of the game.