Paul George (Part 3)

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17 Mar 2024

Paul George (Part 3)

Paul George's third season in the NBA marked a significant turning point in his career as he transitioned into a more prominent role for the Indiana Pacers. With Danny Granger sidelined due to injuries, George stepped up and embraced the responsibility of being the team's primary offensive option.
On November 21, 2012, George showcased his scoring prowess by sinking nine three-pointers en route to a career-high 37 points against the New Orleans Hornets. This performance not only highlighted his sharpshooting ability but also set a franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single game, surpassing the legendary Reggie Miller.

Throughout the season, George continued to excel, earning his first NBA Player of the Week award in December after leading the Pacers to victories over Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Detroit. His versatility was further demonstrated when he recorded his first career triple-double in February 2013, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
George's impressive play earned him his first NBA All-Star selection in 2013, where he contributed 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Eastern Conference team. He concluded the regular season with career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, while also showcasing his defensive prowess by being the only player in the league with at least 140 steals and 50 blocks. As a result, he was named the NBA Most Improved Player at the end of the season.

In the playoffs, George continued to shine, recording his first postseason triple-double in Game 1 of the Pacers' first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. He played a crucial role in leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced off against the Miami Heat in a hard-fought seven-game series.
Despite the Pacers ultimately falling short against the Heat, George's stellar performance throughout the season did not go unnoticed. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team, capping off a remarkable 2012–13 campaign and solidifying his status as one of the league's top talents.

Paul George's 2013-14 season with the Indiana Pacers was marked by significant achievements both individually and as a team. Following the extension of his contract, George began the season on a high note, leading the Pacers to a historic 9-0 start, the best in franchise history. During this stretch, he showcased his versatility and impact on both ends of the court, posting impressive stat lines and earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors.
George's standout performances continued throughout the season, including a career-high 43-point game against the Portland Trail Blazers. His contributions were instrumental in the Pacers' success, as they finished the regular season with an impressive 56-26 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

In the playoffs, George elevated his game even further, leading the Pacers to series victories over the Atlanta Hawks and the Washington Wizards. He delivered clutch performances, including a playoff career-high 39-point outing against the Wizards in Game 4.
Despite their strong playoff showing, the Pacers fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, marking their third consecutive playoff exit at the hands of the Heat. However, George's stellar play throughout the season did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive First Team, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.
Moreover, George's accomplishments during the season, including his All-NBA selection, qualified him for the full 30% contract extension, further affirming the Pacers' commitment to him as a cornerstone of their franchise. Overall, George's 2013-14 campaign was a testament to his talent, leadership, and impact on the court.

Paul George's road to recovery following his devastating leg injury during the 2014 off-season was marked by determination and resilience. Despite suffering a compound fracture of both bones in his lower right leg during a scrimmage for the US national team, George remained committed to returning to the court.
After undergoing surgery and facing an uncertain prognosis, George embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation process. His determination to play again was evident as he began putting weight on his leg just weeks after the injury and started shooting jumpers in practice by late October.
George's progress continued as he participated in his first full practice of the season earlier than expected, signaling a significant milestone in his recovery journey. By late March, he was ruled as a possibility to return to gameplay within a week, showcasing the remarkable progress he had made.

On April 5, 2015, George made his much-anticipated return to the Pacers' lineup, nearly eight months after sustaining his leg injury. His comeback was met with admiration and excitement from fans as he contributed 13 points in just 15 minutes of play, including two key three-pointers that helped secure a victory over the Miami Heat.
Despite the challenges he faced and the long road to recovery, George's resilience and determination allowed him to overcome adversity and return to the court. His comeback served as a testament to his strength of character and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball.

Paul George's road to recovery following his devastating leg injury during the 2014 off-season was marked by determination and resilience. Despite suffering a compound fracture of both bones in his lower right leg during a scrimmage for the US national team, George remained committed to returning to the court.
After undergoing surgery and facing an uncertain prognosis, George embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation process. His determination to play again was evident as he began putting weight on his leg just weeks after the injury and started shooting jumpers in practice by late October.

George's progress continued as he participated in his first full practice of the season earlier than expected, signaling a significant milestone in his recovery journey. By late March, he was ruled as a possibility to return to gameplay within a week, showcasing the remarkable progress he had made.
On April 5, 2015, George made his much-anticipated return to the Pacers' lineup, nearly eight months after sustaining his leg injury. His comeback was met with admiration and excitement from fans as he contributed 13 points in just 15 minutes of play, including two key three-pointers that helped secure a victory over the Miami Heat.
Despite the challenges he faced and the long road to recovery, George's resilience and determination allowed him to overcome adversity and return to the court. His comeback served as a testament to his strength of character and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball.