Paul George hit a three and helped led the Pacers on a 19-3 run that saw the Pacers finally get the separation they needed to secure the victory 97-84. The first quarter in Monday’s game against the Mavs was as bad of offensive execution as you’ll see, and limiting turnovers is going to be a key for Brett Brown’s team the entire season. The league is a star richer with George back in fine form, and the Pacers all the more competitive for it. And with none of the swagger associated with winning, not after a 38-44 finish that left IN out of the playoffs.
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But George couldn’t increase his 27-point night, due to Butler’s outstretched arm that disrupted the last chance for the Pacers, leaving George on the floor complaining and frustrated, sealing the Bulls’ win. And I take it as a fun challenge.
Derrick Rose had 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting for Chicago, but departed with about six minutes remaining after he sprained his left ankle.
Butler, in the argument with George and Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio) for the best two-way player in the game not named LeBron James, didn’t necessarily win the individual battle with George, as George added seven rebounds and five assists to his ledger compared to Butler’s 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Much of that has come because of the roster changes around him, as the Pacers shifted toward an open-space model this offseason.
The changes in the front court have, unsurprisingly, had an impact on the Pacers. But as the season has pressed on, George isn’t upholding those duties defensively. He started the previous four games.
Ian Thomsen, NBA.com: Having suffered the most frightening injury, Paul George has returned to find that his team has been rebuilt – essentially downsized – to suit his talents at both ends. E’Twaun Moore, though receiving substantially more playing time under Hoiberg, has yet to establish a clear and defined role on this team, even if he does deserve more minutes.
The whole recovery was to get back to this point. “That’s just the best approach for any team”, said Vogel. “But it was Larry’s call”. I know it’s part of the process. That sort of triggered or facilitated the Roy Hibbert move. “I’m getting more comfortable in learning the game”. Larry was intimating to me that he wanted to play a different style. “For what I went through and all I’ve been through, just me playing and feeling all right after the game”. Seriously, Roy in pace and space?
“It’s a speed approach”, the Pacers coach said. “I’m thrilled with our defense”, Philadelphia coach Brett Brown told reporters.
All of it hinges on George. “At that time no one had nothing to say”.
But despite the athleticism and numbers to back it up, George has never been about the flash. “We got a few tough stops late, and that’s the ball game”.
George appears not to have missed a beat.
“The greatest player to ever play this game was a midrange jump shooter in Michael Jordan”, George continued.
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The win over the Pacers gave the Bulls a 7-3 record which places them second in the Eastern Conference standings, just behind the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (8-2).
