In a candid moment on his podcast, LA Clippers star Paul George revealed the surprising reason behind his recent struggles to complete emphatic dunks: his hand size. Standing tall at 6’8”, George has wowed fans with his shooting and playmaking abilities, but when it comes to finishing with a thunderous slam, he admits he falls short due to not having the massive hands of his teammate Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard’s Legendary Hands
George’s acknowledgment of his hand size deficiency compared to Kawhi Leonard is telling. Leonard, known as “The Claw,” is famous for his exceptionally large hands, which have become a defining trait of his basketball prowess. Fans have marveled at photos of Leonard using everyday objects, like an iPhone, where his hands dwarf the device, underscoring the advantage they provide in gripping and controlling the basketball.
Teasing from Teammates and Fans
The podcast also shed light on how George’s missed dunks have become fodder for teasing from both teammates and fans alike. George humorously recounted how his peers, including PJ and Russ, playfully rib him about his dunking mishaps. Despite the good-natured banter, George acknowledges the need to improve, especially given the pressure of the ongoing playoff series against the Mavericks.
Paul George’s Struggle to Convert
During Game 1 of the playoff series, George faced criticism after missing two dunk attempts, one of which was blocked. Reflecting on these moments, George expressed admiration for the defensive effort of Dallas Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford, who thwarted his dunk attempt. George explained that due to his hand size, he struggles to maintain control of the ball upon impact with defenders, leading to missed opportunities.
The Importance of Hand Size in Basketball
Hand size has long been recognized as a critical asset in basketball. Legends like Michael Jordan have attributed their success partly to their ability to grip and control the ball effectively. Jordan, known for his wide thumb and lengthy fingers, emphasized how these physical attributes aided his ball-handling and shooting prowess, underscoring the significance of hand size in a player’s game.
Playoff Redemption: Can George Create a Poster?
As the Clippers-Mavericks playoff series remains evenly poised, all eyes are on Paul George to bounce back and potentially create a poster-worthy dunk. With four games left in the series, George has the opportunity to silence his critics and showcase his scoring prowess. The pressure is on for George to deliver impactful performances and prove that hand size isn’t everything in the art of dunking.
Looking Ahead to Game 3 in Dallas
With the series tied at 1-1, the Clippers are gearing up for Game 3 in Dallas. The spotlight will be on Paul George as he aims to turn the tide and lead his team to victory. Whether it’s through explosive dunks or clutch shooting, George will be looking to make a statement on the court. As the playoffs intensify, the narrative around George’s dunking prowess will continue to unfold, highlighting the intriguing intersection of physical attributes and athletic performance in professional basketball.
In conclusion, Paul George’s candid discussion about his hand size sheds light on the nuances of basketball and the challenges athletes face in overcoming physical limitations. As the playoff drama unfolds, fans await eagerly to see if George can rise above his dunking woes and leave his mark on the series against the Mavericks. Hand size aside, George’s determination and skill will be key factors in determining the Clippers’ success in this fiercely contested postseason battle.