Paul George said he was “very relieved” that he and Kawhi Leonard were healthy after they had to introduce NBA health and safety protocols.
George and Leonard were released from protocol and returned to help the LA Clippers get past the Orlando Magic 116-90 on Friday.
“We played so well, it was unfortunate that we had to take a break, but safety comes first,” said George. “We recognize this in the first place.”
Due to the pursuit of contacts, George and Leonard were only in protocol for four days. They went into quarantine on Monday as the team left Los Angeles for Atlanta to begin a six-game swing. The two stars missed two games before joining the team in Orlando, Florida.
“It was a nuisance because I was in a good role, and PG and I are coming out,” Leonard said, referring to the fact that the Clippers were in a seven-game winning streak when he and George entered protocol. “This is my mentality around it. I just want to play basketball and I want to continue to rely on our chemistry and improve, but to understand what the protocols are and it was a chance for the boys to step up and play a more big”.
With the two best players back, the Clippers won their second straight game after losing to Atlanta on Tuesday. George scored 26 points in 28 minutes and became the first player in the franchise’s 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 his time away from the team keeping his conditions at home and staying in touch with the coaches to get over the game plans even for the games he missed. .
“I’m still trying to follow the Hawks’ game plans and the last game, Miami,” Leonard said of what he did during quarantine. “Just talking to the coaches, trying to see exactly what our covers are, keeping my mind at stake.”
Coach Ty Lue said he has both players restricted for a few minutes to be careful with his out-of-quarantine stars. But George and Leonard showed how fresh their legs were early, each throwing a big scare in the first half against Orlando.
“I think one night when the boys were a little tired, only their presence was great for us,” Lue said. “It was huge. Just playing for everyone else, making the game easier. When teams double Kawhi or PG in post-ups or pick-and-rolls, it’s easier because our boys get open photos, so we need those boys tonight. “