PG: Clippers in 'driver seat' ahead of Game 7
The Los Angeles Clippers are suddenly fighting for their playoff lives after surrendering another big second-half lead in Sunday's 111-98 Game 6 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the momentum shift, Clippers star Paul George says he and his teammates remain upbeat ahead of Tuesday's do-or-die Game 7 matchup.
"This group's staying together," George said postgame, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "We still in the driver seat. It's not a panic mode. We have a Game 7. I like our odds with our group. We put ourselves in this position and it's on us to get ourselves out of it."
Los Angeles' 19-point advantage on Denver in Game 6 is tied for the largest blown lead with a spot in the conference finals on the line since 1997. The Nuggets outscored the Clippers by 29 points in the second half.
Los Angeles also held a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets in 2015 but were unable to seal the deal. George is confident that history won't repeat itself.
"We know what we are up against," George said. "We have the utmost respect for them as opponents, but I like our chances. I like our odds. I like what we have. Again, it's on us to finish this out."
The Clippers have never advanced to the conference finals in their 50-year history, dropping all seven opportunities to clinch a spot in the NBA's final four.