Paul George has his first week of games behind him and felt good about his showings. He’s been kept to about 15 minutes per game, although he is not under any restrictions or minute limitation.
Through three games, the latter two on the road, George has looked comfortable and hasn’t been shy to be active in middle of the lane and force contact. He has reached double figures in all three games, averaging 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from the field. His first shot of the season, fired one week ago, went down.
George is still trying to get his feet wet in game action and not trying anything out of the ordinary just yet. He’s nowhere close to where he wants to be, but he has got his wish of getting at least a handful of games in to evaluate his body and skills before the long offseason.
Defensively, he has quickly shown everyone what the Pacers have missed. Admittedly not 100 percent, he’s still their best defender. He’s sliding his feet reasonably well, getting a hand in the shooter’s face, and done a great job of moving and recovering from one guy to another when helping off the ball.
“Obviously he’s not himself but he’s doing well,” veteran David West said. “He’s not really hesitant and he’s shooting the ball well just getting his confidence back.”
Offensively, George is still working his way in. Most of his shots have been setup along the perimeter.
“Just the rhythm of the game is what I’m still trying to get back,” George said. “Learning when to attack, and finding ways to attack within our offense, and being confident when I attack — as far as pushing off on my leg.”
Prior to Friday’s win in Detroit, Pacers coach Frank Vogel, who gauges his star player game-by-game, went to George and asked how he was feeling and if he’d be up to finishing games, too.
“I felt the more that he’s given me and the more the training staff has let me take on, I’ve been well,” George said. “I feel my body has been holding up well. I feel like, as of now, my body is starting to get adjusted to it.”
[Paul George to wear headband ‘until 22 gets back’]
With extended time, including halftime, between on-court stints, George can be seen stretching on the sideline before checking in.
“It’s tough,” he said of his time awaiting to return to the floor. “I don’t ever want to go in there just cold without stretching. Making sure I feel fine before I check into a game. I’m usually good for my first time checking in. Then, once it’s halftime and getting ready for the next check in, I get a little tight.”
Overall, it’s been a successful first week back for Paul George. This week prevents a new challenge: Back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday — and three games in four nights — to end the regular season.
[Paul George partners with American Stroke Association for PSAs]