Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George is playing much better this season than he did last year, and he told Sam Amick of The Athletic that one of the main reasons for his improvement is that he is feeling less pressure this season:

“Last year, they had traded for ‘Melo, they had brought me in, and I kind of felt like we had a mission to win right away and I had to be special right away,” said George. “Now this year I’ve got time. I’m here. There’s time to learn. There’s time to figure things out. There’s a learning curve that I can go at my pace on, instead of coming here right away and wanting magic.”

George is averaging a career-high 26.6 points per game this season as well as career highs in rebounds per game (8.3), assists per game (4.2) and steals per game (2.2).

Needless to say, the 28-year-old is playing better than he ever has before:

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“I’m in a good flow,” George continued. “I’m in a good rhythm. Again, just comfortable being here. The game is starting to come a little easier, because I’m not pressing. I’m just letting it come to me. And that’s when I’m at my best, when I’m out there and I can just play. Just play myself into the game, and that’s when I find my rhythm the easiest.”

It's not surprising that as Paul George has improved, the Thunder have improved with him.

After struggling to make the playoffs last season, Oklahoma City currently boasts a record of 22-13 and sits in third place in the Western Conference.