Paul George on gold medal: 'This is my championship'
Two years ago, Paul George suffered a gruesome injury in a USA Basketball scrimmage, calling into question not only his future with the national team, but also whether he could continue his hoops career.
He bounced back in a big way, competing in the Olympics with Team USA at Rio 2016 and capturing gold Sunday.
"This is my championship right here," he told TNT's David Aldridge.
"I don't know what that (championship) feeling is like yet. But as of now, this is my championship."
The swingman was still clearly elated on the plane ride home.
"Man, we did it. The feeling of winning a gold. You can't replace this right here," he said as he kissed his medal.
George averaged 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in 19 minutes per game for the Americans in Rio.
While the six-year pro hasn't won an NBA title yet, he's led the Indiana Pacers as far as the Eastern Conference finals twice, and has put the onus on himself to make them contenders again.