Paul George is the Western Conference player of the week

For the first time this season, and the second time as a Clipper, Paul George has been named Western Conference player of the week.

George started the week by spearheading a 17-3 run over the final three minutes against Oklahoma City to turn a nine-point deficit into a win. George then rained an efficient 32 points on 18 shots against Minnesota; when his shot betrayed him in the second game, he put his head down and got to the free throw line 14 teams for an encore victory. He close out the week by being the team’s lead playmaker and wing stopper in a win over Charlotte.

In total, George averaged 26.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while playing 37.9 minutes per game over the team’s four contests. He’s also played an important leadership role for the Clippers throughout, helping to steady the ship with his consistent play as the rest of his teammates get up to speed.

“Paul’s been pushing me ever since he got to the team, and he’s been a great leader this year,” Ivica Zubac said after beating the Hornets. “He’s pushing everyone but he was extra, extra on me this year because I didn’t start the way I wanted. He knew what I could do that I was not doing, so he just wanted me to be more aggressive.... When a guy like PG, when you see him out there every night fighting doing everything he can to win games, you got to help him.”

Terance Mann had a similar sentiment after the team’s first win over the Timberwolves, that he was galvanized by George’s effort.

“PG is having a hell of a season so far, he’s doing a great job of leading us on both ends of the floor,” Mann said. “I know today he had a possession where he had a strip, got on the ground, got back up, took a charge. Like, that’s inspiring for all of us. And when you see your best player doing that, it just makes you play harder.”

The Clippers may have been uneven to start the year, but George hasn’t been. A deserving honor for the team’s best player.