George: 'We're all dealing with' effects of isolation

Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George isn't the only player in the bubble struggling with mental health issues.

George opened up about his own personal struggles following Tuesday's Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks and has since received support from other players who've had similar experiences during their time inside the campus environment.

"You know, whether I was the first to say it (inside the bubble) or not, we're all dealing with it," George said Saturday said of players feeling the effects of isolation, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "I've had conversations with guys here, and there's been a couple guys that is like, man, I'm happy I'm not the only one. I've been dealing with this, too.

"It's a thing in here. It's a brotherhood."

George was mired in a shooting slump before his breakthrough 35-point performance Tuesday. He said postgame that the current living situation in the bubble sent him to a "dark place."

The six-time All-Star initially had reservations about seeking help but decided to speak with a team psychiatrist and members of his inner circle.

Doc Rivers doesn't want other players hesitating to speak up, and the Clippers head coach feels he can help change the current attitude toward mental health issues.

"We're starting to wake up to the reality that there's no difference between a sprained ankle and something going wrong with your brain," Rivers said. "The brain ... it is more important. But it's been such a taboo subject in society and probably even more taboo in sports because of the machismo."

He added, "Anything with the mind is (considered) weak, you know. That's been the messaging throughout society ... I just think we've just got to keep talking about it. The more we talk about it, the more we make it normal."