Paul George said he was “super relieved” that he and Kawhi Leonard were healthy after introducing NBA safety and health protocols.
George and Leonard were cleared of protocol and returned to help the Los Clippers cruiser visit the Orlando Magic 116-90 on Friday.
“We were playing so well, it was unfortunate to have to take a break, but safety comes first,” George said. “We recognize it first and foremost.”
Due to contact tracking, George and Leonard were in protocol for only four days. They went into quarantine on Monday when the team left Los Angeles for Atlanta to start a six-game swing. The two stars lost two games before rejoining the team in Orlando, Florida.
“It was a nuisance because we had a good run, and PG and I went out,” Leonard said, referring to the Clippers being in a seven-win streak when he and George entered protocol. “That’s my mindset around it. I just want to play basketball and want to continue to build on our chemistry and improve, but understand what the protocols are, and it was an opportunity for the boys to step up and play a bigger role.” .
With their top two players behind, the Clippers won their second straight game after losing Tuesday in Atlanta. George scored 26 points in 28 minutes and became the first player in franchise history with at least 26 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in less than 30 minutes played.
Leonard scored 24 points in 29 minutes and said he spent time away from the team keeping his conditioning at home and keeping in touch with coaches to review game plans even for games he missed. .
“I’m still trying to follow the game plans with the Hawks and the last game, Miami,” Leonard said of what he did during his forties. “Just talking to the coaches, trying to see what our coverage is, just keeping my mind on the game.”
Coach Ty Lue said he had both players with a minute restriction to be cautious with his stars coming out of quarantine. But George and Leonard proved their legs were early, and they each threw a great dive in the first half against Orlando.
“I think on a night when the guys were a little tired, just having their presence was great for us,” Lue said. “It was huge. Just making plays for everyone and making the game easy. When teams combine Kawhi or PG into post-ups or pick-and-roll teams, it makes it easier because our guys get open shots, so we need these guys tonight. “