Even before playing a game this season, the Los Angeles Clippers' players have already suffered numerous injuries. The media and NBA fans didn't have high expectations of the Clippers, so many of their wins went unnoticed. However, it's clear that the catalyst for their early success was Paul George, who averaged 27 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
He received a lot of criticism for George's poor playoff performances, but he made a fiery start for the Clippers. In addition to recording his own stats, he is also a commendable leader, as many role players have found their best form, including Terrance Mann, Ivica Zubak and Eric Bledsoe. Even without Leonard, Morris Sr. and Ibaka, the Clippers are currently tied for third place in the West, making George an underrated MVP candidate.
Here are three reasons why Paul George became the dark horse of MVP.
Motivate teammates
At the beginning of his career, George was not a selfish player. But in the past two seasons, he has averaged more than 5 assists per game, while being a selfless leader, giving role players ample opportunities to show off their talents and improve the overall level of the Clippers.
Through their squad combination, George's net score in the first 14 games of the season in their second squad was staggering. Players like Mann, Luke Kennard and Isaiah Hardenstein have been successful under head coach Tyrone Lu, despite the team's lack of key players. Lou found some high-level gems on the bench that could help George on both offensive and defensive ends.
Even with a point guard shooting below 40 percent, he boosted the confidence of his teammates that they would help him in scoring. George's excellent defense and his ability to switch shots in key moments make him a dangerous threat at any time on the court.
Clippers defense
Many fans, when choosing their MVP, will only focus on the candidate's score or victory. But basketball is still a sport played at both ends of the court, and George's performance is a perfect indicator of that. The Clippers currently have a defensive percentage of 100.8, second in the NBA, while their opponents have only a modest 43.9 percent shooting percentage.
George's long arms and high IQ provided the Clippers with the necessary inspiration to excel on the defensive end. Mann, Bledsoe and Nicholas Batum are just some of their great defenders, whose progress has been aided by the superb skills of the point guards. Even without Leonard, the Clippers are still a closed team, which speaks to a problem.
Personal advantages
Even with emphasis on his teammates, George is outstanding as he has scored more than 40 points twice this season. The Clippers' season started with a lot of home games, so the two-way superstar was able to perform himself in a comfortable environment.
George has led the Clippers back this season, and their never-say-die attitude is very obvious. On the defensive end, George made eight steals against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 10 last year. In addition, he made 2 or 3 steals in key wins throughout the season.
Paul George has the highest usage rate of his career, but his winning percentage defensively is staggering. While the Clippers continue their path to victory, there is still room for improvement in their three-point shooting percentage. By continuing their excellent defense and improving their shooting ability, the George-led Clippers will be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA playoffs.