NBA: George's exceptional play must continue

Whether you were a Pacers or Heat fan or neither, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was enjoyable for anyone with an interest in the game of basketball. These two teams showed what it takes to be in the NBA Playoffs. During the consistent up and down, change of leads and extremely physical game, it is hard to blame anyone or anything for the outcome of the game. Just when you thought the Pacers had the game in the bag, the Heat made their not so surprising fourth quarter run. And on the other end, the Pacers fired back with a little burst of life of their own, sending the game into overtime after Paul George sunk a deep three-pointer with .7 seconds left in regulation. Clutch performances are something George has become accustomed to during the Pacers’ playoff run.

George proved to the world why he is the Most Improved Player in the NBA this year. The 23 year old All-Star took over the Pacers vs Knicks series, shutting down the NBA’s scoring leader, Carmelo Anthony, with his irritating, defensive play. On the offensive end, the Pacers standout has averaged 17.4 points and nearly 8 rebounds a game while shooting just under 42 percent this season. Stepping in as a new leader for the Indiana Pacers, George has advanced his role and has become the go-to player for his team. But offense isn’t the only thing he’s good at; George is debatably one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. In the first three games of the playoff series against the Knicks, George limited Carmelo Anthony to only eight 4th quarter points. The Pacers’ team defense feeds off of his energy and he serves as a catalyst of the team’s defensive performance to protect drives in the paint along with limiting offensive rebounds.

The series already seems like it will be a dog fight for each team.  Though the Miami Heat has the Big Three, the Indiana Pacers has exhibited that they play a well-rounded team game with a role player at each position. The Heat prove that they are experienced and have been here before while the young Indiana Pacers team show that they are hungry for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. However, for the Pacers to win the series, it is a must that Paul George has exceptional performances night after night to beat the defending champions.