Kyrie Irving: 'This whole trip was mainly for Paul (George)'
Patriotism and pride weren't the only motivating factors for Team USA's FIBA World Cup championship run. They had former teammate Paul George in mind, as well.
"(George) has a lot to do with (the meaning of the gold)," point guard Kyrie Irving told Sam Amick of USA Today. "This whole trip was mainly for Paul. Every single day, not taking anything for granted. It's a devastating thing that happened to one of my good friends. It's crazy, but for us to bring a gold medal back - and knowing he's going to get one - is exciting."
Irving's sentiments were echoed by teammate Klay Thompson, who tweeted the following after Sunday's victory over Serbia:
We did this for our country and PG
— klay thompson (@KlayThompson) September 14, 2014
George was expected to play a major part in Team USA's eventual championship run, but he suffered a gruesome leg injury during training camp. The injury will keep George off the court for a year, but he's expected to make a full recovery, and has an automatic spot on the 2016 national team waiting for him (see below).