Dallas Mavericks: 3 things that went wrong in Game 5

1. Bye Playoff P, hello Paul George

Playoff P has left the bubble and Paul George has now entered the chat.

George heard the chatter and come through with a major response in Game five, finishing with 35 points, three rebounds and two assists on 66.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. He is the first player to score 35+ points in 25 minutes or fewer in NBA playoff history.

If Playoff P continued to show up, the Mavs had a chance, but now that he’s here, chances become significantly more slim. George simply had his way with the Mavericks defense and was extremely efficient.

Though, the struggles on George in the playoffs didn’t seem to be just a shooting slump, but more so something quite personal.

"“I underestimated mental health, honestly,” George said. “I had anxiety. A little bit of depression. Just being locked in here. I just wasn’t there. I checked out. Games two, three, four, I wasn’t there….Shout-out to the people that were in my corner, that gave me words. They helped big time, help me get right, [get] me back in great spirits. I can’t thank them enough.”"

Mental health is a very serious topic and something not to take lightly. In this bubble situation, separation from families,  the isolation, makes it more understandable that a player or coach can fall into such conditions.

George, who was as recently as last season, a candidate for both the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and Most Valuable Player, is once again showing why he was considered for those awards.

When the NBA playoffs pick back up, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the likes of Playoff P again. Which for the Mavs, is not good to say the very least.