Prior to Sunday's game one clash with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George stated that he would be going into "Playoff P" mode for the postseason.For anybody who's not familiar with it, George showed exactly what he meant with a dominant display as he inspired the Thunder to a 116-108 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the opening round series.The 27-year-old has made a name for himself with eye-catching playoff performances over the years and usually produced his best basketball on the biggest stage during his time in Indiana.PG13 was hugely confident in his ability to do the same in his playoff debut for OKC and he didn't disappoint.He posted a game-high 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including 8-of-11 from three-point range.His eight makes from beyond the arc set a new Thunder franchise record in the playoffs.It's only one game, but "Playoff P" definitely showed up and Oklahoma City will be dangerous opponents if he continues to perform at this level.
"I'm going to bring it to that level on a nightly basis," George said, per ESPN's Royce Young. "Obviously, I was hot tonight, but that's the level I am going to bring it to every night."
The five-time All-Star was up and down throughout the regular season as he continued to find his role alongside Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
The Thunder were also largely inconsistent for much of the campaign too but the general consensus has always been that they have a team built for the postseason.
With George always able to elevate his game, there was another gear for OKC to hit and that makes them a scary proposition.
His ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor makes him a vital player in the playoffs and the Jazz found this out on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Westbrook said when the small forward plays aggressively it makes them a different team and changes the game for them.
This is certainly what the front office had in mind when they acquired him in a trade with the Pacers, as they wanted an elite number two option alongside their MVP point guard who can also take over games when necessary.
"We knew all along that we got multiple guys that can make plays, create and be explosive offensively," George said. "We're not going to put that pressure on just one guy.
"Obviously, my job is to help Russ, and with that, it's helping the team. It's my job to bring it and to bring it at a high level."
It wasn't a perfect performance by the team overall but they got the win and it sets them up for the remainder of the series.
They'll look to protect home-court once again when they face Utah in game two on Wednesday night.
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