The Indiana Pacers are 1.5 games back for eighth in the East and with only six games left in their season, they are getting an unexpected boost. Paul George is coming back Sunday against the Miami Heat.
After breaking his right leg in a horrific incident during a Team USA scrimmage in August, George was projected to miss the entire season. Despite this diagnosis, George has been making strides to return to the court this season and has been practicing with the team for the past several months. George has been itching to return and recently said that he "was ready to play."
He was even ready to announce his comeback as he took to Instagram and Twitter to share the news:
#ReturnOfTrece
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) April 4, 2015The Pacers announced George's comeback in a more formal fashion:
#Pacers release statement on Paul George making season debut this Sunday pic.twitter.com/RdJBaIWIHN
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 4, 2015The Pacers were the number one seed in the East in 2014 but without George have struggled this season and are fighting for the final playoff spot with a 33-43 record. George has been seen doing windmill dunks in practice but it will take some time for George to get back in the flow of things. He will also look slightly different as this season he will be wearing the number 13 instead of number 24. He won't be the same player that was on the All-NBA Third Team in 2014 averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds. But his basketball IQ and skills should help the Pacers even in 15 to 20 minute stints.
Pacers President Larry Bird has been talking about George returning since March believing that it will benefit him mentally. His return should also be a boost for the team's mental state as they are fighting for that final playoff spot. George has previously been concerned about coming back and messing with the team's chemistry but his return is coming at the perfect time for the Pacers.
George's is making his season debut against the Heat and the game could decide the playoff fate for both teams. If the Detroit Pistons beat the Heat tonight, Indiana would only be one game back from Miami. If George and the Pacers beat the Heat on Sunday, then they will be tied for the eighth seed. Indiana will also hold the tiebreaker as they lead the season series 2-1.
Even if George's return turns into one lackluster performance after another, we shouldn't doubt his return to excellence. He had a gruesome injury and has now worked hard for over eight months to return. Why wouldn't he keep working to become an elite player again?
