Paul George on Play-in vs Timberwolves: "This is Not a Pat Bev vs Clippers Matchup"

The play-in tournament is set to start on April 12th. One of the matchups in the Western Conference are already scheduled to be the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers, the 7th and 8th seed respectively. The Timberwolves are looking to make it back into the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and they have a former Clipper that can help them out in this series, Patrick Beverley. However, Paul George says that the play-in game against his former teammate is not the focus.

Beverley played for the Clippers from 2017 to 2021 and his tenacity on the court and bothersome defense has become a staple for his new team the Timberwolves. His expertise in the Clippers organization and players can prove to be a difference-maker if the Timberwolves want to get past the first play-in game. At the other end, George of the Clippers says, "this is not a Pat Bev vs Clippers matchup."

Paul George on facing Patrick Beverley in the play-in:

"I'm not going through Pat. We're going through the T-Wolves. This is not a Paul George vs Pat Beverley match. This is not a Pat Bev vs Clippers matchup... I'm not even going to make that the narrative."
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 10, 2022

George went on to mention that he is "not even going to make that the narrative," in the game against the Clippers. George has his eyes set on the team as a whole and is focused on other players on the team that could be more of a problem. The Timberwolves surprised most of the NBA and fans, in general, this season with their stellar play. Karl Anthony Towns and the young Anthony Edwards have led the way as well as Beverley who brought in a veteran savviness to the team.

George in his return with the Clippers has shown he is capable of being the leader on the team in Kawhi Leonard's absence. George missed 49 games due to injury but still looks like a premier two-way player in the league. The Clippers are hoping that he can lead the team to the first round of the playoffs, however, Beverley might be standing in the way.