Brunt: Paul George’s triple-double in Pacers’ win truly great
By CLIFF BRUNT
ISL Founder
INDIANAPOLIS — So, how great was Paul George’s performance on Sunday?
In case you’re unaware, George had the second triple-double in Pacers playoff history to help Indiana defeat Atlanta 107-90 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. The high-flying forward finished with 23 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.
Well, let’s first define great. This isn’t the great that gets thrown around because it fits neatly into a sentence. This is Reggie-never-did-this great. Mark Jackson is the only other Pacers player to gain a triple-double in a playoff game, and he did it all the way back in 1998.
Here are the highlights, courtesy of NBAShowtimeHD:
Here’s some perspective. George is only 22 years old. Who does that kind of damage at that age? When you’re that young and talented, you’re usually not patient enough, mature enough or selfless enough to give up the ball enough times to get 12 assists.
George made 17 of 18 free throws on Sunday. The team record for free throws in a playoff game without a miss was set by Miller. Perhaps so there could be something out there left for the young phenom to strive for, fate would have him miss his 18th try. But to get to the line 18 times and still drop double-digit dimes means the Pacers were willing to let George control the game. Not just score. Control the game. That’s the sign of a true franchise player. George is willing to take the punishment in the paint to lead his team.
For the record, LeBron James had his first playoff triple-double when he was roughly 21 1/2 years old. George is nearing his 23rd birthday, so he comes up a little short, though it should be noted that both James and George got their first playoff triple doubles in their third NBA seasons. The mere fact that I went looking for LeBron’s numbers speaks volumes about how special this was.
On one exceptional play, George dived and tipped the ball to Lance Stephenson, who found David West for a 3-point play. It clinched George’s triple-double, crushed Atlanta’s momentum and epitomized his entire performance.
The irony behind one of the greatest Pacers playoff performances ever is that George didn’t shoot well from the field. He went 3-for-13. How many young players check out when their shot isn’t going down? George did everything except shoot well from the floor. That is greatness — when you make three field goals and shoot 23 percent from the field and still can post a legendary performance.
