Even before playing a single game this season, the Los Angeles Clippers were already stricken with numerous injuries to their roster. The media and NBA fans did not have heightened expectations for the Clippers, thus many of their victories have gone under the radar. It's clear, however, that the catalyst of their early success has been Paul George, who is averaging 27 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
George has been hurled with a plethora of criticisms because of his atrocious performances in the NBA Playoffs, but he is off to a red hot start for the Clippers. Along with tallying his own numbers, he has been a commendable leader as numerous role players have found their groove already, including Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, and Eric Bledsoe. Even without Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., and Serge Ibaka, the Clippers are currently tied for third in the Western Conference, which makes George an underrated candidate for MVP.
Here are three reasons why Paul George is a dark horse MVP contender.
Galvanizing teammates
During the start of his career, George was not known as an orchestrator. But over the last two seasons, he has averaged over five assists a game, while being a selfless leader that gives role players ample opportunities to showcase their talent and enhance the Clippers' overall production.
Through their lineup combinations, the net rating of George with their second unit has been phenomenal for the first 14 games of the season. Guys like Mann, Luke Kennard, and Isaiah Hartenstein have been flourishing under the tutelage of coach Tyronn Lue despite the absence of key pieces in the squad. Lue has found some gems from their deep bench that have been producing at a high level in order to aid George on both ends of the floor.
Even when PG shoots below 40 percent from the field, he has increased the confidence of his teammates, who have stepped up and helped him in the scoring department. The excellence of George defensively and his ability to convert crucial shots make him a dangerous threat on the floor at any given time.
Quality defense
Many voters would just focus on the points or the victories of the candidates when choosing their MVP. But basketball is still a sport that is played on both ends of the court, and George's performance has been the perfect indicator of that. The Clippers are currently the second-best in the NBA in terms of defensive rating at 100.8, with their opponents only shooting a measly 43.9 percent from the field.
George has long arms and high IQ to provide the necessary inspiration for the Clippers to excel on the defensive end. Mann, Bledsoe, and Nicolas Batum are just some of their brilliant defenders who have improved immensely because of the superior skill set of PG. The fact that the Clippers have been a lockdown team even without Leonard speaks volumes.
Individual excellence
Even with the emphasis on his teammates, George has been sensational as he has already tallied over 40 points twice this season. The Clippers began their campaign with a home-heavy schedule, thus the two-way superstar was able to assert himself and play in a comfortable environment.
George has already led certain Clippers comebacks this season, with their never-say-die attitude very evident. Defensively, PG was able to snatch the ball eight times in their 30-point victory against the Portland Trail Blazers last November 10. Additionally, he has tallied two or three steals in vital victories over the course of the season.
Paul George is possessing the highest usage rate of his career, but it's his defensive win shares that have been spectacular. As the Clippers continue to keep up their winning ways, their three-point shooting still has room for improvement. By continuing their terrific defense and improving on their shooting prowess, the George-led Clippers will be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA Playoffs.
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