Last summer, the USA Basketball team was getting prepared for their showcase in Las Vegas. Paul George was representing the Indiana Pacers. The Vegas game is a great time because it is basically an All Star Game in the middle of the summer. The game was going very well, until Paul George was on a fast break with James Harden following behind him. Harden was looking to alter the shot, and George took a hard fall. George hit the protective padding on the goal and his leg was horribly broken. It was hard for anyone to look at. The players on the court were noticeably shaken and they knew George was going to be out for a long period time. It was even possible that George had suffered a career-ending injury.
Paul George Suffered Gruesome Leg Injury
The reports confirmed that George broke his leg and would miss the entire 2014-2015 season. He was able to come back for the last eight games as the Pacers were in contention for the final playoff spot in the East. George showed flashes of his old self, but did not show confidence in his leg just yet. This season, he is playing as if he never broke his leg. George is back, and he is looking better than ever.
The leg injury to George really helped develop him from a mental standpoint. When a player has a devastating injury like that, they are able to really think about their game while going through recovery. It makes the players grateful for the opportunity to play again. They are motivated to prove to the rest of the league that they are back and better than ever. George was able to focus on certain parts of his game and how he was going to make sure he kept his leg from being re-injured.
Paul George is Playing Even Better Than Pre-Injury
George’s athleticism actually looks better than before the leg injury. Even in the pre-season, he was attacking the rim with no holding back and finishing at a high rate. When he dunked from nearly the free throw line in a preseason game against Chicago, it was clear that he was back.
One of the biggest developments in George’s game is his ability to score on his own. He is shooting the three at a very high rate this season. George was an average three-point shooter before the injury, but he can easily make three to four a game.
From a leadership standpoint, George has really shown strides in leading the Indiana Pacers. His teammates know how rough it was for him to sit out, and they are letting him lead the way. Before the season, the Pacers did not have the highest expectations. They were not a lock to make the postseason. Right now, they are 16-9 and one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. With the East being a little deeper than the Western Conference right now, the Pacers record is even more impressive. George is top five in the league in scoring with 26.9 points per game and adding 8 rebounds a night. George is easily top five in the MVP discussion right now. It is safe to say that George is back, and he is not going away.
