Tyronn Lue and his LA Clippers were on a roll this season, recording the best record in the NBA at 17-6 coming into Friday night's matchup against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, they got some unfortunate news regarding Paul George that'll take a collective effort to bounce back from.
The team added George to the injury report Friday afternoon and ruled him out just two hours before tipoff. The team announced George was dealing with bone edema in his right toe.
When asked what he knew about the injury, Tyronn Lue couldn't offer much.
“I don't know, I don't know, and I don't know,” Lue said with a smile. “We're going to miss him. We wish him a speedy recovery, just trying figure out what's going on but really, I don't know.”
In short, Tyronn Lue says there’s no timetable on Paul George’s return, but did say that guys are going to have to step up in his absence.
At least initially, this sounds like PG is going to miss some time. https://t.co/4GFJgJ35HB
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 6, 2021
That wording alone from Lue implied that George could miss extended time with his injury.
Two players in the NBA recently dealt with bone edema, and both came last season: Chicago Bulls forward Otto Porter Jr. and Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III.
Porter Jr. was initially diagnosed with a left foot sprain on November 6, 2019. It was determined to be bone edema a few days later. He was without a clear timetable and ended up returning on March 2, 2020 — nearly 4 months later. Williams III was diagnosed with bone edema in his hip on December 16, 2019 and didn't return until March 3, 2020.
Each player responds to injuries differently, and at least for now, the Clippers expect to be without Paul George for a brief time. That means guys will have to step up, and Lue is already eyeing Reggie Jackson as well as Lou Williams.
“I think those are the two guys that we can run pick and roll and run plays through along with Luke Kennard being able to make plays for each other as well,” Lue added. “We've got to do it by committee. Like I said with PG being out guys have to step up and we have to do it by committee, not just one person.”
In his last game, George finished with an ultra-efficient 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting from the field and 8-of-9 from beyond the arc. It was his second highest scoring output of the season, and there was no mention of any lingering soreness or pain.
“He should play hurt I think!” Lue joked about George apparently playing through the injury for the big night. “I'm not really sure when he really started feeling it or whatever. He did have a hell of a game so just hope we can get him back soon.”
In 20 appearances for the Clippers this season, Paul George averaged 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.8 three-pointers per game on 51 percent shooting from the field, 48 percent from beyond the arc, and 91 percent from the free throw line.
Follow Us
Subscribe