Paul George gives Clippers owner Steve Ballmer a positive update on his knee injury: “A little soreness… I’m okay”
Paul George gave a positive response to LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer about his recent injury setback. George endured a knee strain and missed the second half of the Clippers' 119-97 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
George met Ballmer after the game and told him it wasn't anything serious. He said (via Tomer Azarly):
“I’m okay, I’m okay. A little soreness, but it’s okay. I’m okay.”
Paul George to Steve Ballmer - “I’m okay, I’m okay. A little soreness, but it’s okay. I’m okay.” https://t.co/EVmZfF7ONz
The LA Clippers haven't had much luck when it comes to injuries to their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It's hampered their chances of winning a championship since they joined the team in 2019. Leonard missed the last year after undergoing surgery to recover from an ACL injury.
Meanwhile, George played only 31 games as he was out due to a thumb injury. The Clippers are among the favorites to win the Western Conference this season. However, their success depends on the health of their superstars.
Leonard has missed 13 games already. He likely won't be a part of back-to-back contests this season. That makes George's presence even more important for the Clippers. They need at least one of their superstars to have a shot at avoiding the play-in tournament.
Also read: Ty Lue provides update on Kawhi Leonard’s injury, says the Clippers need to be “smart” about the situation: “ We're going to follow the lead of our medical staff… But he’s progressing”
Paul George reportedly expects to play next game against the Utah Jazz
LA Clippers star Paul George reportedly expects to play the team's next game against the Utah Jazz. It will be crucial for the Clippers, as the Jazz have been on a roll. They are also Western Conference leaders with a 12-6 record.
A source close to Paul George tells @TheAthletic that George does not believe that his knee soreness is serious and that he expects to play Monday night vs Jazz
Meanwhile, the Clippers are 10-7, seventh in the West standings. The Clippers, the second-best defensive team, will need to dig into their defensive prowess to prevail against the Jazz, who have the fourth-best offense. Meanwhile, LA's struggling offense will need George and Leonard to bring their A-game to that end of the floor.
The Clippers must build chemistry with their current group, especially with Leonard and George on the floor. The West seems stacked, with underdogs like the Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers posting winning records.
They will be looking to put together a string of wins after winning their last two games. They are at full strength now following Kawhi Leonard's return after a 12-game absence. They also registered one of the best wins in their previous outing against the Spurs, so they have momentum entering Monday's game against the Jazz.
Also read: Paul George takes accountability for LA Clippers losing record: “I am more than capable of going out and performing and willing our team to wins"