'We can go as far as we want to go' - Paul George confident 'committed' LA Clippers can have NBA success

Paul George says the LA Clippers’ team spirit can put them in a good position to challenge in the NBA play-offs, after scoring a season-high 38 points in a 128-117 win over former side Oklahoma City Thunder.

The eight-time NBA All-Star is yet to be crowned champion at any of the franchises he has been at, but believes his current side are capable of going all the way.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who often take the headlines, chipped in with 16 points in the win over the Thunder.

The Clippers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with a 26-14 record.

“We’re in the driver's seat, we control our destiny,” George told TNT Sports.

“We can go as far as we want to go. I think we’re committed to each other as a team, which is the most important thing.”

George has previously spoken about sacrificing his own scoring opportunities to allow Leonard and Harden to shine - but says he is often the beneficiary of the extra attention they receive from opponents.

“Those guys allow me to get in the rhythm and honestly just line them up at will,” he said.

“Both of them require double teams, they require so much attention that a lot of times I have the third best defender on me. At that point, the team is at our mercy - they definitely help my game and vice-versa.

“I’ve got to be aggressive to give him [Leonard] opportunities to be one-on-one. The more I can be aggressive, the more I can take control, it opens up the game for him.

“I just want to put everyone at ease, I know what I’m capable of, I know what I can do in this league. I know I’m going to get my fair share, honestly I’m just committed to winning and that’s it.”

Four-time NBA champion and TNT Sports expert Shaquille O’Neal believes the Clippers can be contenders - as long as Leonard, Harden and George can remain fit and consistent.

“When he’s healthy, PG [Paul George] playing at a high level throughout the play-offs, James [Harden] playing at a high level throughout the play-offs, they have a great shot - but we’ll see,” he said.

“Paul George and James Harden have a tendency of disappearing. If they don’t disappear, they have a shot of winning the championship. That’s why I don’t really get so high.”

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