Cousins on George: ‘I don’t know where this trolling (expletive) has come from’

Paul George has been nicknamed many things over his decade in the NBA, from PG-13 to Young Trece to Batman and – of course – his self-proclaimed Playoff P.

There’s one nickname that’s been floating around over the past year that George is certainly less fond of, Pandemic P.

Fans on social media have been calling George that for his inconsistent performances.

This postseason, however, George has stepped up big for the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals with Kawhi Leonard out with a knee injury.

Minus a couple of missed free throws that proved crucial in a Game 2 loss, George has been the leading force for his team.

After a 41-point performance in a do-or-die Game 5 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, teammate DeMarcus Cousins doesn’t know where the hate comes from.

“I don’t know where this trolling (expletive) has come from where the internet controls the narrative about these players, it’s become foolish,” Cousins said on Zoom after the game.

“That’s one of the most special players ever to lace his shoes up. Give this dude his flowers.”

Cousins said the slander is becoming “quite silly now.”

“Respect these players, respect these greats,” Cousins said.

George has led the Clippers in scoring each game this series, scoring at least 20 points in each contest.

Despite George’s performance in the series and in Game 5, the Suns still have a 3-2 lead in their quest for the first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.

Game 6 from Los Angeles tips off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and all the action can be heard on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station.