The LA Clippers are one win away from advancing. The Western Conference Semi-Finals will be tough but competition is why the NBA playoffs are so great.
It’s time to close out the series. The LA Clippers while fighting demons mentally, were able to win Game 5 in historic fashion. To advance in the 2020 NBA playoffs, it will take a similar effort.
Paul George talked about how mentally tasking this series was:
"“I underestimated mental health,” George said. “I had anxiety, a little bit of depression, from being locked in here. I wasn’t here, I was checked out. Games 2,3,4, I wasn’t there.”"
Game 6 is big. They don’t want to prolong the series. The Clippers have lost in the first round three straight years. A win in the next game is one giant step for the future. Championships have never happened in this team’s history.
The 2019-20 Clippers are the greatest team in the franchise’s lifespan. It is the NBA Finals or bust for “the other team” in Los Angeles.
“The bubble got the best of me… Shout out to everyone who stood behind me."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 26, 2020
Paul George on his start to the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/eleprREKT9
The Western Conference Semi-Finals are next. The NBA Playoffs are about preparing for anything. Luka Doncic surprised them this series and they have to be ready for more surprises as things go on.
In 2020 life is about instant gratification. The days of the Los Angeles Lakers dominating seem to be returning.
You would expect LeBron James to be the talk of the town. Paul George and the Clippers have tested the patience of many fans.
The narrative of the LA Clippers though is too good to pass up though. They are the talk of the town.
Now is the LA Clippers’ time
People love overcoming adversity. Players were in and out for the team. The mental challenge of the bubble made things tough. A healthy Game 4 slipped out of their grasp. The Clippers still stand tall though.
Game 6 shouldn’t be on the minds of anybody in this series. It should be over. Luka Doncic proved that he is coming for the throne for the greatest player in the league.
Michael Jordan had trouble getting out of the first round early in his career. LeBron James didn’t make it to the playoffs until his third season in the NBA.
Doncic and the MVP trophy should find their way together next year. Many megastar players’ third year was their best year in the league. Youth and maturity combine to make a complete player.
From now on you can’t talk about Doncic without talking about the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard had to shut him down. In a loss, Doncic has learned lessons that will stay with him throughout his whole career.
Luka Doncic needs to get more physical and make quicker decisions. That what the Western Conference calls for.
For the LA Clippers, you have to learn from what you taught others.
Next round, the LA Clippers have to out muscle and outsmart either the Utah Jazz or the Denver Nuggets. Erasing the blunders from this series will be key to winning the next round.
In the Semi-Finals, there is no room for error. The other team needs respect. Establishing a killer instinct goes a long way. Attention to detail is where the team’s mindset should be on.
Let’s face it, both teams don’t have the stars the caliber of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Luka Doncic. Still, it’s the Semi-Finals.
Paul George in his post-game interview talked about how life in the bubble has gotten to him:
"“The bubble got the best of me,” George said. “I was checked out. The past couple of games were difficult.”"
A Game 6 win can put a wrap to this series. The first round should serve as a lesson learned for the LA Clippers. Now it’s time to stop gaining knowledge and advance.