Paul George on Game 1 ending: ‘I’ve got to get the last shot’

The Indiana Pacers were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-108 in their first matchup of their playoff series.

The NBA playoffs have known to bring mass hysteria to your area; big shots and big moments curated by big players. Paul George would be considered a big-time player, becoming the face of the Indiana Pacers franchise in 2013 after the aging of Danny Granger.

Today, George had a chance to become a part of Indiana Pacers lore by taking and potentially connecting on a game-winning shot. But instead, George passed up on that opportunity for what appeared to be a better look to teammate C.J. Miles.

The Pacers were down 109-108 with just seconds remaining. The Cavaliers, knowing the importance of George, elected to double-team George so that he would be inclined to pass the ball. Miles would receive the pass for the final shot and missed. Of course, this was all in the plans for the Cavaliers, which led to the Game 1 victory.

Afterward, George spoke about how he felt about the play, insisting that the final shot should be his for the taking.

"“Situations like that, I’ve got to get the last shot.”"

It’s impossible to knock George for thinking that sentiment. He’s an established star for the Pacers and in the NBA, so taking the last shot would be ideal for the star player. While in theory the pass to Miles made sense, the Pacers would probably have been satisfied with George missing over a Miles miss.

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Now, the Pacers must attempt to regroup before their next matchup with the Cavaliers Monday night. Head coach Nate McMillian will probably make it an emphasis to draw up better plays for George down the stretch. Because the Pacers are a 7-seed, opportunities are few and far in between.