Paul George silenced his loudest critics Monday after dropping a playoff-career-high 41 points on the Phoenix Suns to save the Los Angeles Clippers' season.
George insisted following the timely performance in Game 5 that he believes he receives more criticism than other stars around the league.
"I do. It's the honest truth," George said, according to Forbes' Shane Young. "It's a fact.
"But, I can't worry about that. It comes with the job, I guess. It is what it is. I still try to go and dominate whether I'm shooting the ball well or not."
George became the first Clippers player to ever register at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a playoff contest. His 41 points in Game 5 eclipsed his previous postseason high of 39, which he managed twice while with the Indiana Pacers.
Clippers center DeMarcus Cousins lauded George after his performance and questioned the criticism hurled at the 31-year-old.
"I don't know where this trolling bullshit is coming from where the internet controls the narrative about these players. It's becoming foolish, man," Cousins said, according to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints. "Like I said earlier in the year, that's one of the most special players to ever lace his shoes up.
"Give this dude his flowers, man. I don't understand the slander. It's becoming quite silly now. Respect these players, man. Respect these greats."
George and the Clippers will have a chance to even the series Wednesday in Los Angeles.
