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Paul George said he was “super relieved” that he and Kawhi Leonard were in good health after having to go into NBA health and safety protocols.
George and Leonard were cleared of protocol and returned to help visitors to LA Clippers pass the Orlando Magic 116-90 on Friday.
“We were playing so well, it was unfortunate we had to take a break, but safety first,” said George. “We recognize this first and foremost.”
Due to contact tracing, George and Leonard had only been in protocol for four days. They entered quarantine on Monday as the team left Los Angeles for Atlanta to begin a six-game road swing. The two stars missed two games before joining the team in Orlando, Florida.
“It was disappointing because we were on a good streak, and me and PG are coming out,” said Leonard, referring to the Clippers being on a seven-game winning streak when he and George entered protocol. “That’s my mindset. I just want to play basketball and want to keep building on our chemistry and getting better, but understand what the protocols are, and that was a chance for the guys to play a bigger role. . “
With their two best returning players, 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 franchise history with at least 26 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in under 30 minutes.
Leonard scored 24 points in 29 minutes and said he spent the time away from the team maintaining his fitness at home and keeping in touch with coaches to review game plans, even for games that ‘he had missed.
“I’m still trying to keep up with the game plans with the Hawks and the last game Miami,” Leonard said of what he did in quarantine. “I’m just talking to the coaches, trying to see what our covers are, just keeping my mind in the game.”
Coach Ty Lue said he has both players on a minute restriction to be careful with his all-stars coming out of quarantine. But George and Leonard both showed how fresh their legs were early on, each throwing a big dunk in the first half against Orlando.
“I think one night when the guys were a little tired, just having their presence was very important to us,” said Lue. “It was huge. Just to make it play for everyone, to make the game easy. When teams pass Kawhi or PG on post-ups or pick-and-roll, it makes it easier because our guys get open shots, so we need these guys tonight. “
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