Ranking the 15 best performances in the NBA this season
15. Paul George reintroduces himself in Minnesota (12/13/19)
After undergoing double shoulder surgery during the offseason, it took Paul George 12 games into the 2019-20 season before he could officially make his debut as an LA Clipper.
Over the first 15 games, George, for the most part, looked every bit the six-time NBA All-Star he was. Every few nights, however, came a bit of a dud, whether it was a single-digit outing or a horrid shooting performance.
George’s inconsistent play was the result of his extended absence and rehab. After all, this was the same player who finished top-three in the voting for MVP and Defensive Player of the year the season prior.
It was in a road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves where George reminded the nationally televised audience of that level of play he was working his way back towards.
In what was then a season-high in minutes, PG dropped his season-high in points with 46 on 17-of-31 shooting along with seven assists, six 3-pointers, five rebounds and two steals.
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LA claimed a seven-point victory as Kawhi Leonard finished with 42 of his own, marking the 21st time — and first in Clippers history — two teammates each dropped 40-plus in the same game.
The game was an indicator of the special talent George still was. It was also a message to the rest of the NBA highlighting why the Clippers were adamant about mortgaging their future for this dynamic duo.