Paul George Proves He’s Team USA’s X-Factor in Win Over Argentina
By Ben Gibson
Paul George led the charge for Team USA after a slow start against Argentina.
Was it true? Was the ‘B’ team that the United States had sent to Rio just not good enough to samba their way to an Olympic gold medal?
Even worse, were they going to lose to Argentina before they even got to the medal round?
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For a moment, at least, it looked that way when Argentina led early in their knockout round game with the US.
But midway through the first quarter Paul George came off the bench and though Argentina took a 19-9 lead, things were about to change.
Drastically.
George and Kevin Durant spearheaded a 27-2 run that catapulted the US into the lead of what became their 105-78 victory over Argentina.
Facundo Campazzo had powered the early assault by Argentina, but once George checked in, that came to an end. George’s smothering defense on Campazzo helped stymie the Argentinian and his team’s offense while Durant knocked down bucket after bucket.
Argentina scored 15 points on 24 possessions w/ Paul George on the floor after scoring 12 on the first 9 possessions of the game.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) August 17, 2016
Paul George has ruined a lot of Argentina actions and cuts with great ball denial, including that one by Manu.
— Mike Prada. (PRAY-duh) (@MikePradaNBA) August 17, 2016
Durant was 9 of 13 from the field and a staggering 7 of 9 from beyond the arc to lead the US with 27 points. George was next in line with 17 points (on 8 of 14 shooting) and 8 rebounds. His defense also showed up in the box score as well with three steals and three blocks.
Former Indiana Pacers power forward Luis Scola had 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Argentina.
As Pacers.com detailed, NBC commentator and former coach Doug Collins was very impressed with PG.
"“Tonight is the Paul George we see in the NBA,” Collins said.“If I had a game ball tonight, I’d give one to Paul George,” he added later. “Obviously Kevin Durant, you see his points, but Paul George has had his hand in a lot of the good action that happened for the United States at both ends of the floor.”"
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Carmelo Anthony and Durant may get most of the spotlight at these Olympics — and rightfully so — for their shooting, but Paul George’s defense has been huge for the US.
Even before this game, all signs pointed to Paul George being one of Team USA’s X-factors as they’ve played their best defense with him on the floor.
As Collins said, this is the Paul George we see in the NBA, and especially when he was in the game, the US looked much more like the world beaters they should be.
The talk of Paul George being an MVP candidate sounds very reasonable when he’s making such an impact on a team full of All-Star caliber players. He was in the conversation last November, but he’ll have to avoid bottoming out again if he wants to remain in it this season.
If there were any remaining doubts about the type of player George was going to be after his injury, last season and these Olympic games should end that discussion for good.
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Team USA’s lopsided win should quiet critics until at least Friday when they face Spain at 2:30 on Friday.