‘Buried Last Year’: LA Clippers’ Paul George Talks About His Resurgence To Form

The LA Clippers have gotten off to a flying start in the 2020-21 season. After beating rivals Lakers on opening night, they bested the Nuggets in a rematch of the 2020 Conference Semifinals. After a forgetful season last year, Paul George consistently shone in both games.

In the first game, he had 33 points, while shooting a very efficient 13-18 from the floor. He followed that up with 23 points last night and continuing the efficient trend, shooting 8-14. He was also one assist shy of getting a double-double. After the game, George spoke about how he is not thinking about last season’s performance at all now.

“I kind of buried last year and left last year in the bubble,” George said. “Fact is, this is a new season, new team, new goals.”

Can Paul George lead the Clippers in their revenge season?

After being named favorites to win the title in 2020, the Clippers got embarrassed in the playoffs. The Nuggets beat them in the second round, despite being down 1-3 in the series. That led to the dismissal of coach Doc Rivers, and teammate Montrezl Harrell also ended up leaving for the Lakers.

The Clippers are coming into this season with a vengeance. They saw their rivals Lakers lift the title last season, and they are also the title favorites for this season. The Clippers are ranked second, with an 11% chance compared to the Lakers’ 81%.

Last season the Clippers had the deeper squad, but this time, the Lakers’ rotation looks deeper and more solid. So their stars George and Kawhi Leonard will have to step up to beat the odds. George’s start to the season shows that he means business.

Later, in the press conference, George also gave an update about his recurring shoulder injuries. “I’m confident,” he said. “My shoulders are stronger. My body is stronger. I’m in better basketball shape coming into the year.”

If George can stay healthy throughout the season, the Clippers will be able to build good chemistry, something that they lacked last season. They will also keep the Lakers on their toes last season, and aim to finish as the best team in the league. At this best, George is an MVP candidate and the Clippers will hope he can keep this form going.

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