Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: ‘Playoff P’ finally emerges for Clippers

Paul George had a quiet Game 3 in his first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. But “Playoff P” finally arrived in the first half of Game 4.

George had 26 points in the first half, including 16 in the first quarter when the Clippers outscored Dallas by 23 points. George hit three three–pointers in the quarter and assisted on another three. Los Angeles hit eight triples in total, overwhelming the Mavericks.

Los Angeles is doing all this without star forward Kawhi Leonard, who sat Sunday after returning from a knee issue two games ago. While they are shorthanded, the Clippers got excellent first-half minutes from Russell Westbrook, who was +18.

Los Angeles led 66-49 at the half. They’ll need to keep shooting well to tie the series at 2-2 and they’ll need another star turn from Playoff P.

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