Ferocious Paul George dunks are becoming of theme of the Indiana Pacers’ first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Paul George pedaled back on comments he made about the last shot, after the Indiana Pacers’ Game 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But something about this dunk tells us he’s still upset teammate C.J. Miles opted to attempt the potential buzzer-beater:
Paul George is cleared for takeoff on @NBAonTNT! pic.twitter.com/bxGScg3Oju
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2017
That poor ball.
George received the pass just inside the three-point line from teammate Jeff Teague. Depending on your rooting interest, Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving — not particularly known for his defense –was tasked to try and stop George. And George’s effortless blow-by showed Irving wanted nothing to do with that assignment.
Even Tristan Thompson, sliding over to help Irving, the last line of defense, decided at the last second when George rose up that stopping two points wasn’t worth the risk of ending up on a poster. Perhaps Thompson had a flashback to George’s dunk over Chris “Birdman” Andersen in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals.
Unlike Game 1, the Pacers are struggling to keep Game 2 close, as the Cavs have held a double-digit lead for a lot of the first half. But George is still showing out, with 18 points on 6-9 shooting and two 3s.
In a season of disappointments, the Pacers weren’t supposed to threaten the Cavs in LeBron James’ attempt to make it to seven straight Finals. But this series has been the carry-over from George’s final month of the season, where he reminded the league he still has the ability to be one of the NBA’s best wing players. If the Pacers have any chance to win this series, it’s on the shoulders of their superstar.