Paul George Leads LA Clippers & Avoids Elimination [HIGHLIGHTS]

PHOENIX -- After scoring a playoff career-high 41 points on seven different Phoenix Suns defenders to help the LA Clippers stave off elimination, Paul George took a well-deserved seat with 1:14 remaining in Monday night's Game 5 when he was greeted by a line of Clippers coaches all congratulating him one by one.

After missing two crucial late free throws in LA's Game 2 loss, George returned and silenced Phoenix Suns Arena with his finest playoff performance. George made 15 of 20 shots and scored 41 points to go with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals to send the Clippers back to Los Angeles for Game 6 with a 116-102 victory Monday night.

George was asked after Monday's game if he feels he is picked on more than other NBA stars when things go bad.

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"I do," George answered. "And it's the honest truth. It's a fact. But I can't worry about that. It comes with the job, I guess. ... I still try to go and dominate. ... And so I'm beyond that, you know what I mean. I am who I am. I wish I could shoot 80%, 75%, on a nightly basis, but it's not realistic."

The Clippers, the only team to overcome a 2-0 deficit twice in the same postseason, now trail in the Western Conference finals 3-2. They can force a Game 7 with a win on Wednesday at Staples Center.