Paul George challenged a full-strength Los Angeles Clippers to show they are serious contenders after ending a three-game losing streak with a 124-97 beating of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Clippers welcomed George and Patrick Beverley back from injuries for Monday's contest and it was only the fifth time this season the team had their entire roster fit for selection.
Kawhi Leonard put up 25 points and Montrezl Harrell had 22 off the bench as the Clippers, who were 35-9 ahead late in the first quarter, returned to winning ways.
George, in his first season with the franchise after joining from the Oklahoma City Thunder, says the Clippers must now prove their championship credentials.
"This is what we talked about, this is what we dreamed of when this all came together," George said after scoring seven points in his 21 minutes on court.
"This is the squad and the team that we thought we would be. We have a great mindset, we have a great approach [but] if we're serious about this, we gotta show it.
"We gotta show it and start to work toward this now. And coach made a great comment of turning it on and thinking we can late in the season, we gotta do it now.
"There's gotta be some steps that we take if we're serious about our journey down the end of this year."
Another night at the office. @kawhileonard earns the @Kia Performance of the Game. pic.twitter.com/oCyOR3anNL
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 25, 2020
Leonard said the Clippers have to build on this success, adding: "I'm hoping we can keep moving forward. It's important for everyone to be able to play, know their roles and keep being consistent."
Head coach Doc Rivers felt it was important to have the Clippers' strongest starting line-up get some game time together.
"I didn't like how we were playing before the [All-Star] break and didn't like the [Sacramento Kings] game the other night but I'm not concerned by it, if you wanted me to be honest about it," he said.
"We just gotta get guys on the floor. We need more minutes together."
