Paul George led the Clippers from 26 down to beat the Cavaliers on Sunday in a game with NBA playoff implications, scoring 39 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists.
He also hit what proved to be the game-winner in a 120-118 victory, then blocked a shot by the Cavs’ Darius Garland with 1.1 seconds left.
George and the Clippers (50-28) did it all without Kawhi Leonard, who missed his fourth straight game with right knee inflammation.
“These situations aren’t ideal, but it’s nice when posed with these challenges we come together,” George told reporters. “We really just dug down. That second half was special. Everyone was locked in defensively.”
Kyrie Irving erupted for a season-high 48 points as the Mavs rallied to beat the Rockets in overtime on Sunday. Dante Exum hit a buzzer-beater to send it into the OT.
“I’m depleted. Energetic, but I’m depleted,” said Irving who finished 15-of-25 shooting. “We kept battling and kept doing the little things and trusting one another.”
Luka Doncic tallied 37 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, just missing a triple-double.
The Rockets (38-40) have officially been eliminated from postseason contention following Sunday’s OT loss to the Mavericks.
“Right now, probably not a whole lot of good (to take from the tough loss),” guard Fred VanVleet said, via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “High-level game. Big shots. Big games. But ultimately, we found a way to lose down the stretch. Usually, you try to find ways to win. We gifted that one to them. That stings.”
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