“He’s Always A Part Of Us”: LA Clippers Star Reveals How Steve Ballmer Plays A Huge Part in Motivating the Team

The NBA is returning very soon. And when it does, the Los Angeles Clippers would look to advance to their first-ever NBA Finals and win the championship this year. Considering their previous form and the might of their squad, the Clippers certainly have a good shot at the title this year, as much as the other favorites. Before the season’s suspension, the Clippers had a 44-20 record and a crucial team player credits a part of their success to their owner, Steve Ballmer.

Ballmer took over the team in 2014 after former owner Donald Sterling was forced to step down by the NBA commissioner. After six years, his team looks in tremendous shape, and it seems to be on course to achieve greater things than the hyped Lob City era ever did. 

Paul George, who signed for the Clippers in 2019, is highly inspired by the team’s owner. In a recent appearance on the Knuckleheads podcast, PG13 was in high praise of Ballmer. George lauded him for always sticking with the team. 

“He’s always a part of us.” George said. “After games, he waits in the hallway, when we finish our games, he high-fives us. We feel like he’s a part of us. He’s not the owner – he’s a part of this team. It’s a real joy to go out and wanna play for him,” he revealed. 

Can Paul George help the Clippers attain glory?

PG has been a game-changing factor for the Clippers this season. Though injuries have been a let-down for the 30-year-old, he proves his worth when he comes out on the court. George and Kawhi Leonard are the central part of a fearless Clippers team that looks to write history in 2020. 

Before the season’s suspension, George played 42 games for the Clippers, in which he drained a few clutch three-pointers to showcase his immense talent. The six-time All-Star is currently averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season, with eight regular-season games remaining.  

The Clippers arguably have the best defensive talents on their roster for this season. So they would look to take advantage of their strength to muscle their way to the playoffs. A postseason success would take them to the NBA Finals and possibly earn them their first-ever championship as well.