Opinion: Clippers can be patient with Paul George-Kawhi Leonard growing pains
LOS ANGELES — The two NBA stars arrived in this city disrupting the league landscape. When the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George finally played together for the first time, however, they did not offer a blockbuster that this city expects.
Leonard fought through rust. George fought through fatigue. And the Clippers fought through sloppy play. The Clippers still prevailed, however, with a 107-104 overtime win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday at Staples Center. Though most NBA teams make very little of what happens in November, the game offered a window on what this George-Leonard partnership might mean in June.
“We were trying not to get in each other’s way at times,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “But you have to have the will to win the game when you know you’re not ready yet.”
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After missing the past four games with a left knee contusion, Leonard had 17 points on a 7-of-20 clip while logging more turnovers (five) than assists (two). He missed a potential game-winning 3 in regulation. Yet, Leonard also threw down a powerful dunk on Boston center Daniel Theis that teammate Patrick Beverley predicted “is going to be on ESPN.” Leonard blocked Kemba Walker’s 3-point attempt that could have forced a double overtime.
George was just as sloppy. He admitted feeling fatigued after playing 37 minutes in only his fourth game since returning from his shoulder injuries. He committed five turnovers. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum crossed up George with crafty dribbling and a sneaky pushoff before drilling a 3-pointer while George stayed on the ground. George still finished with 25 points on an 8-of-18 clip and made a 3-pointer in the first minute of overtime.
“We’re still trying to get in sync with everyone else,” George said. “The good thing about myself and Kawhi is that it doesn’t matter. We’re going to play basketball. We try to make the right plays.”
The Clippers’ success does not just hinge on how well their dynamic duo produces. It also depends on how well their teammates enhance their depth.
Rivers gave the game ball to Beverley, who offered his usual defensive feistiness with 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He had uncontested shots because the Celtics worried more about George and Leonard. As Beverley said, “If I were a coach, I’d leave me open all the time.” No one will leave Clippers guard Lou Williams open, but he remained just as aggressive with 27 points. The Clippers’ frontcourt also had a relatively easy job. As Clippers center Ivica Zubac said, “If you set a good pick for them, they’ll make plays.”
Despite committing 23 turnovers, the Clippers' defense kept them in the game. Rivers’ new starting lineup featured Beverley and a whole lot of length (George, Leonard, Zubac and Maurice Harkless). In related news, the Celtics (11-3) only shot 39.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep.
“That was an ugly win,” Rivers said. “But it was beautiful.”
It will become more beautiful once Leonard and Paul improve their dynamic.
Leonard has already missed six games and presumably more are coming. While George admitted feeling a “little winded” and needed to stretch out his left calf at one point, Rivers reported George told him he “felt exhausted.” George and Leonard also have not practiced together, and the Clippers do not plan on having many this season to preserve legs.
“It’s pretty much finding each other’s spots and knowing the plays,” Leonard said. “It’s still tough. We’re both on a minutes restriction. It’s hard to get a flow.”
Yet, the Clippers can afford to treat the regular season like an extended training camp.
“This is all learning and us figuring it out,” George said. “You all expect us to be at a certain level. But we know we’ll get there. The fact of the matter is we’re winning while we’re learning.”
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