Paul George’s surprising end to press conference after Game 5 loss to Nuggets

The LA Clippers lost Game 5 to the Denver Nuggets in surprising fashion, 111-105, blowing a 16-point lead in the process. Paul George finished with 26 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in the loss. Kawhi Leonard added 36 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

After the Game 4 Clippers win, George acknowledged that it was important not to give Denver any life. That's exactly what LA did in Game 5, as they gave Denver all the confidence in the world heading into Game 6.

George knows the Clippers let one get away.

“I think it's just us not putting them away,” Paul George said on why the Clippers gave up another big lead. “You know, that's just as simple as it is. Sure, you've watched all these games that's been going on in the bubble and teams go up big and the other team rallies back. It's just how it's been.

“We're in the driver's seat. We had them where we wanted them. Again we should have put them away. They came back, they won a game, and it just comes down to Game 6.”

The mood after the game, however wasn't as down as one would think. The Clippers are well aware of what's at stake and how much this loss hurts their chances at more rest, which leads me to believe they'll come ready to play in Game 6.

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“We gave them a little bit of life, and they played desperation ball,” Paul George added. “They didn't have a choice. They played desperation ball. Credit them for not wanting to go home. They played great down the stretch. We just had to match it. But like I said, it all comes down to our approach Game 6.

“It's the playoffs. Beating a team three times in a row is tough. I mean, that's what we're facing, and elimination games are tough. It is what it is, though. We had them on the line. We gave a game up. Game 6, we got to come in and put them away. That's the emphasis in the series, Game 6. We got to do our job and do our job better.”

George ended his postgame press conference on a positive thumbs up:

Game 6 between the Clippers and Nuggets will be Sunday morning at 10AM PST. If no Game 7s are necessary between the Clippers or Lakers, the Western Conference Finals will begin with Game 1 on Wednesday night.