Paul digs deep as Clippers eliminate Spurs
LOS ANGELES (NBA) - You know why Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul has a chance of playing at a third straight Olympic Games next year with the United States in Rio de Janeiro?
Because he can turn into Superman.
That's what did over the weekend in Game 7 of the Clippers' opening round playoff series with San Antonio.
Despite having left the contest late in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, Paul gritted his teeth and returned and fired the Clippers to a 111-109 triumph.
He not only poured in 27 points but hit an incredible game-winning shot over Danny Green and Tim Duncan with just a second remaining to put the Clippers into the next round.
A member of the USA team that captured the last two Olympic gold medals, Paul came into this season with the aim of reaching the playoffs, then getting to the Finals and then winning the first title of his NBA career.
He is now one giant step closer to the Finals, with the Clippers set to square off against James Harden and the Houston Rockets next.
Paul said there was no way he could stay out of such an important contest, despite picking up an injury that is likely to keep him out of Game 1 in the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Rockets.
JUST IN: Clippers have listed Chris Paul as questionable for Game 1 of Western Conference semifinals vs. Rockets. pic.twitter.com/P6g90z6Evl
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 3, 2015
"When I came back [in the second quarter], Blake [Griffin] just kept asking me if I was all right," Paul said, "and I thought about our team and all the things we've been through, and I know that if it was any other guy on our team in a situation like this, they couldn't have laid down, so just tried to find a way."
Though it was his great moment, Paul took time to pay tribute to the Spurs.
This was an emotional win. - Paul
"That team right there is unbelievable," he said.
"It's a shame that this was the first round."
And the Spurs praised Paul.
Five-time NBA champion Duncan, whom Paul had to shoot over to make the game-winner, said: "He was incredible all-around.
"Just an amazing competitor. I know he was a little hurt, and he played through all that, found ways to get it done.
"I mean, just unbelievable last shot over two of us.
"He's just a great leader, and it was amazing to watch.
"I wish I wasn't on the other end."
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