Paul George is well aware that Monday is it. It’s the last time that he will ever go against five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant — a player he idolized while growing up in nearby Palmdale, California — in a competitive game.
(The two are each starters in the 65th annual NBA All-Star game slated for Sunday, Feb. 14.)
For George, he’s thinking about one-upping the sure-thing Hall of Famer.
Paul George and Kobe Bryant will matchup … one last time.
“Honestly, try to go for 82 [points],” he said with a big grin. (Kobe’s 81-point game was 10 years ago.)
“I look forward to this, his last trip to Indiana, last game in Bankers Life [Fieldhouse]. I want it to be a good showing. I’m definitely coming with all of my weapons and tools cleaned up.”
The right way, George says, to honor Bryant and his contributions to the game is to go hard at him — just like he always would.
“You got to,” George said. “It is the best way to show the respect to him is to put on a good show.
“I’m not going to rush anything. … If I get that moment in that matchup with him, I’m going to let the game come to me still.”
See Also: Roy Hibbert’s feelings…
On the day of the Pacers’ game at the Staples Center against the Lakers back on Nov. 29, Bryant announced this season would indeed be his last. George loves to be back in his home state and nearby Palmdale, but this made the matchup even more special for him.
George scored 39 points (to Kobe’s 13) in a Pacers’ 107-103 victory.
Because of injuries to both players, this is just the second meeting in which both players are available since March, 2013. And it will be the last…
During this farewell tour, opposing players are eager to face Bryant for the final time. Afterwards, many line up to shake his hand and to say a few words … especially the young guys.
There are only a handful of tickets remaining in what will absolutely be a sell-out.
George Hill remembers…
It’s fair to say that most players get excited about facing Bryant for the final time. After the game, many players line up to shake his hand and say a few words … especially the young guys.
George Hill had a heated moment with Kobe Bryant during his rookie season in San Antonio.
“To even be a part of his legacy is phenomenal for me,” said Pacers point guard George Hill, who played with the Spurs in the Western Conference for his first three seasons.
“To be able to play him, his last game here and maybe last game I ever get to play him, is going to be great. Hopefully I get to match up with him a couple of possessions. Hopefully [he] doesn’t score.”
It didn’t take any time at all for Hill to recall his only heated moment with Bryant. He was a 21-year-old rookie playing off the bench in San Antonio.
“My rookie year,” Hill quickly answered when asked if they had any history.
“It was me coming in as a rookie and not taking anything from anybody. I was trying to find my way and try to be a tough defender out there and tempers got a little flared. It is what it is. It was no disrespect; it was all a part of the game.”