The NBA has a set of unwritten rules that players are expected to follow, including running out the clock when a game is already decided. However, not all players are fans of these rules. Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George recently expressed his disagreement with the rules, calling them “stupid.”
Zion Williamson threw down a windmill dunk in the closing seconds of the Pelicans' win over the Suns.
Things got heated after that 👀
🎥 @BleacherReport pic.twitter.com/GbLWBo3yU0
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 10, 2022
The superstar quoted:- “I think it’s stupid that you wouldn’t take a shot [at the end of the quarter] because you’re worried about your percentage. Give me the ball every time; I’ll launch that motherfu*ker from half-court. I love those moments. And then people getting mad for scoring at the end before the game’s over. They get mad about it.”
In an interview, George cited the example of Zion Williamson‘s showtime dunk during a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. With the Pelicans up by nine points and the shot clock turned off, Williamson decided to put on a show for the home crowd with a flashy dunk instead of dribbling out the clock. This move drew criticism from some Suns players, but George believes that the fans paid good money to be entertained and that Williamson’s dunk should not have been an issue.
While some players might see running out the clock as a sign of respect for the opposing team, George’s perspective is that basketball is entertainment and the fans should be able to enjoy every moment of the game, even when the outcome is already decided. For George, playing to the crowd is a legitimate part of the game, and players should not be criticized for putting on a show when given the opportunity.
Of course, not everyone in the NBA shares George’s perspective. Some players might view showboating as disrespectful or unnecessary, especially when a game is already decided. However, George’s comments highlight the different attitudes that players can have towards the unwritten rules of the game. While some may prioritize sportsmanship and respect for the opposition, others may prioritize entertainment and showmanship.
In the end, the unwritten rules of the NBA are just that: unwritten. There is no official rulebook dictating how players should behave on the court, and different players will have different opinions on what is and is not acceptable. Ultimately, it is up to each player to decide how they want to play the game and how they want to be remembered by fans and peers alike.
Paul George Return: playoff success remains critical
The Los Angeles Clippers are hoping to avoid a first-round exit in the playoffs if they want to give injured veteran Paul George a chance to return to the court this season. George suffered a sprained right knee during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, after an awkward fall and knee knock with Lu Dort.
Although George initially feared a serious injury, he described the incident on his podcast this week and absolved Dort of any wrongdoing, stating that it was a “freak accident” and that Dort was simply playing hard to secure extra possessions. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Clippers believe they need to advance out of the first round to provide a “real window” for George’s return, suggesting the team’s postseason success may impact the star player’s recovery timeline.
