Renewed Spirit Helps Paul George to Playoff Redemption

Despite the roaring success of the NBA’s bubble so far, it hasn’t been plain sailing for everybody involved. The isolated conditions have taken their toll on players, including Clippers star Paul George.

Paul George was, until Tuesday, in the midst of a much-discussed playoff slump. In Games 2,3 and 4 against the Mavericks, he only scored a combined 34 points. 

With the series tied at 2-2, Paul George came back to life, scoring 35 points to help the Clippers win 154 – 111.

After the game, the Clippers forward vented to the media, admitting that life in the bubble was getting to him.

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“I underestimated mental health, honestly. I had anxiety. A little bit of depression. Just being locked in here. I just wasn’t there. I checked out,” he said.

“Games 2, 3, 4, I wasn’t there. I felt like I wasn’t there. Shout out to the people that were in my corner, that gave me words, they helped big time, help get me right, [get] me back in great spirits. I can’t thank them enough.”

It’s 154 points against Dallas was the most the Clippers’ has ever scored in a playoff game. Quite the turnaround from a team whose star wasn’t fully focussed for the previous three games.

George credits his coach, teammates, friends and family for helping to bring him back around. A chat with the team therapist was also significant.

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“I mean, I felt it just [at] the start [on Tuesday],” George said. 

“Talks with a psychiatrist, our team psychiatrist. I mean, I just felt it. My energy, my spirit was changed. That’s all it needed. That’s all I needed. I came here, I knew what my job was. Left it all on that court. Ready to move forward.”