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*Photo via Getty Images
“I cannot believe this is a first round matchup” (Tim Duncan). Duncan could not have said it any better, as this was what everyone was saying. The Los Angeles Clippers down three games to two, came back to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in one of the best game seven’s we have ever seen.
This was a back and forth game from the start, as this epic game seven battle saw 31 total lead changes. Chris Paul injured his hamstring early, but stayed in to deliver one of the best game seven performances of all-time. Paul fought through the pain, hobbling, limping, not being able to put pressure on his left leg and he delivered the game winner with just one second left to lift the Clippers into the Western Conference Semifinal series.
Player of the Game: Chris Paul finished with 27 points on 9/13 shooting, including the game winner with one second left.
Dud of the Game: Kawhi Leonard: Finished with only 13 points on 5/13 shooting.
Stat of the Game: Blake Griffin finished with a triple double, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
The heart Paul displayed as he took over the game is what lifted the Clippers into the next round of the playoffs. They will face the Houston Rockets Monday night, which is a short time of rest for Paul’s hamstring to heal. It is going to be interesting to see how he plays the next series if his hamstring is still bothering him.
Clippers at Rockets Monday at 9:30 on TNT