Tyronn Lue highlights Paul George’s importance for LA Clippers: “Right now while we are struggling, tonight was huge”
Paul George and the LA Clippers haven't had the best start to the 2022-23 NBA season. Many believe the Clippers are the favorites to win it all, however, the team's health has resulted in a slow start to the season.
In an interview with NBA reporter Ohm Youngmisuk, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gave an honest take on the team's status after an important win against the Houston Rockets. He also praised George's performance, which boosted the morale of the team:
“Hell yeah! Right now while we are struggling, tonight was huge."
Ty Lue is asked if that is the Paul George the Clippers need: “Hell yeah! Right now while we are struggling… tonight was huge.”
"PG-13" seemed to have found his rhythm as he put up 35 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, six steals and two blocks. He also made the game winning shot with a tough mid-range jumper.
The Clippers have found it tough to get wins so far this season. Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to return this season, is dealing with knee soreness and has only played two games so far.
The Clippers play against the Rockets again on Nov. 2, but it's still unclear if the two-time Finals MVP will return to help Paul George. There have been some reports stating Leonard's unavailability might extend until their game against the San Antonio Spurs.
Per Ty Lue, Kawhi Leonard (knee) will miss a minimum of 6 games, including Friday, Nov 4 in San Antonio vs the Spurs.
The LA Clippers have started the season 3-4 and it looks like Paul George is slowly getting his on-court groove back.
This season is the best chance for Paul George to win the title with the Clippers
Paul George has been with the LA Clippers for the past four seasons. During that span of time, the farthest that they've reached was the Conference Finals two seasons ago. Since then, George and his co-star Leonard have struggled to stay healthy, and the team hasn't been able to make a deep playoff run.
The front office has given their superstars a great supporting cast in recent seasons. The Clippers made a big move this offseason by acquiring John Wall. After finalizing a contract buyout with the Houston Rockets, Wall signed a two-year $13.2 million deal with the Clippers.
They also re-signed Nicolas Batum to a two-year $22 million contract. Batum's previous run with the squad has the coaching staff more opportunities on both ends. His size and skill fits perfectly in the Clippers' system.
Not only that, but the LA Clippers also extended Robert Covington's contract and re-signed center Ivica Zubac. Both players are important to the team and will help George and Leonard go all the way this season.
It's Paul George's time now. He's with a team that has the deepest roster on paper. If him and Kawhi Leonard stay healthy, they are going to be a very tough team to beat in a playoff series.