It has been a year after the Indiana Pacers' shooting guard and small forward Paul George suffered a leg injury which kept him out for two seasons. Now he is back, playing better than ever.
George contributed a high-season 40 points with seven three-pointers, giving the Indian Pacers a 123-106 victory over the Washington Wizards last Tuesday.
Averaging career highs in points (25.9), assists (4.8), field goal shooting (45.8%), three point shooting (45.7%), and player efficiency rating (25.93), George has once again proven himself to be one of NBA's top ranking players.
Asked if he was playing the best game of his life, he said: "I think I am, I feel great out there."
George's 40-point performance was recognized by the Pacers' head coach Frank Vogel, who regarded George as a "special player." In an interview with the USA Today, Vogel said George "just does so much. He's capable of going for 40, carrying the offensive load and being the best defensive player on the floor on either team."
George came back at the end of the last season for the final six games and was in a bit of adjustment playing an average of just 15.2 minutes. But he was definitely just gearing up and now has shown what he is made of.
With learning on how to be at pace with one another, playing fast, the NBA star said Indiana Pacers are creating an identity. "We are starting to learn one another. If we play fast, then we really put pressure on teams," he added.
According to Washington Times, George's return has been built on trust and patience. He worked with the team's trainers to make stable progress. He was able to work on shooting mechanics during the time his leg needed to heal.
"Everything was on trust," George said. "Trusting the training staff, trusting myself, trusting my body; that I was going to be able to do the things I used to do."
