For the third time in six games, Indiana Pacers rookie forward Paul George has reached double digit points.
Why is this important? Next to superstar Danny Granger’s 21 points per game, the Pacers (16-20) have struggled to score while averaging 96.9 points per game (22nd in the league). When the team does find production and eclipse the 100 point mark, they are 10-2.
George is by no means a scoring threat on this Pacers team, but he is an improving rookie who could emerge into one. On Wednesday, George posted a career-high 16 points off the bench in a 102-89 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
By: Nick Grays
When the Pacers selected George 10th overall out of Fresno State, they weren’t really sure what kind of player they were going to get and at this point in the season, I’m still not really sure they know yet.
However, they do know that George has stepped his game up dramatically when given the opportunity to come off the bench and play significant minutes.
Here’s where George feels he’s at and how he’s gotten there through 36 games thus far.
“As a rookie I have been able to sit on the bench and to follow the movement of Brandon Rush, Danny Granger and others. I stay after practice to get a littler extra work so that when I get in I am to contribute. I try to improve my game every day in all aspects,” said George.
Fans either love or hate him, but Pacers Head Coach Jim O’ Brien also feels George is making strives at being a better basketball player.
“He is shooting with confidence and he’s in and out defensively. But by and large I thought he was very good defensively tonight. He can shoot it. He is going to be a terrific basketball player,” said O’Brien.
When he plays with that confidence, George could be instrumental in the Pacers attempt to make the playoffs in the 2010-11 season. As it sits now, the Pacers are 7th in the East and 2nd in the Central behind the Chicago Bulls who they play next on Friday at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Winners of their last two, the Pacers have yet to win three games in a row all season long. With a win against the division leading Bulls, the Pacers could start to show the league that they are for real.
What do you think of George’s play of late? Are the Pacers for real or just one of those bad teams in the East who will back into the playoffs? Let me know by commenting below!
Follow Nick Grays on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.