Paul George had to be held back after Tim Hardaway, Jr.’s foul (Video)

Paul George was on a mission in Game 5, and Tim Hardaway, Jr.’s foul only enraged him more

George was at the brunt of many jokes on social media after his performance in the Clippers’ first four playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks, even earning the nickname ‘Pandemic P’ in response to his self-coined ‘Playoff P’ epithet. PG showed exactly why he was acquired for such a lofty price from Oklahoma City last summer, joining forces with Kawhi Leonard as the Clippers ran away with Game 5.

In the third quarter, George attempted a drive to the rim that was sure to finish in the same way many of PG’s endeavors did on the night — a made bucket. Hardaway, Jr. wasn’t about to let that happen without a hard challenge, however, and in a throwback to a different time, leveled George on his way to the basket rather than allow an easy basket.

Paul George wasn’t thrilled with Hardaway, Jr.’s late challenge

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1298452979494707200

George has a height and weight advantage on Hardaway, so it’s no wonder the Mavs guard walked away and chose to pick his battles. A fight with George is not one he’d likely win, and with potentially two games left in the series after this one, Dallas lacking one of its best role players for any amount of time wouldn’t help their cause.

In the end, George simmered, but we nearly got an even angrier PG.