Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gave a notable update on injured star Paul George on Friday, two days ahead of the team's playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.
Tyronn Lue on Paul George potentially returning this series:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 14, 2023
“Even if he does try to come back, if he’s not right, we’re not gonna let him go… We gotta make sure he’s close to 100% without being able to worsen his injury.”
Tyronn Lue on Paul George potentially returning for the playoffs:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 14, 2023
“We’re definitely not gonna do anything to hurt PG even if he does try to come back. If he’s not right, then we’re not gonna let him injure himself and make it worse than what it really is.”pic.twitter.com/4fPWPmqks7
The 32-year-old hasn't played since March 21 when he suffered a right knee injury during the Clippers' loss to his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite the uncertainty on George's status, Lue said he's glad the eight-time All-Star is back on the floor practicing.
“It’s encouraging to see. Just seeing him be able to do something things and actually starting to feel better is good to see.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 14, 2023
Tyronn Lue on Paul George shooting the other day
Clippers’ Paul George getting up shots before practice pic.twitter.com/7AWrIt9IoC
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 14, 2023
Without PG-13, fifth-seeded Los Angeles would seemingly have little to no shot against fourth-seeded Phoenix. The Suns have Kevin Durant back and healthy, and with him on the court, they've gone 8-0.
Durant joins Chris Paul in one of the best starting groups in recent NBA memory. The pair of future Hall of Famers play alongside superstar Devin Booker and standout big man Deandre Ayton. Without George on the floor, there's a titanic amount the shoulders of Kawhi Leonard, who'll be playing in the postseason for the first time in two years.
The Clippers are one of the four Californian NBA teams to make history this year by making the playoffs, but if Leonard's sidekick can't make a return midway through the best-of-seven set, it could be a quick series.
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