Good For the NBA: Paul George vs. LeBron James Is the First Round Matchup The League Needs
By Kevin Kaspar
Paul George and LeBron James matchup for Part IV of their playoff saga and it’s exactly what the NBA and this Indiana Pacers-Cleveland Cavaliers series needs.
It’s been 3 long years since Paul George and LeBron James went head-to-head in the NBA playoffs. The last time the 2 frenemies played a post season game against one another; Barack Obama was president, Ebola was a thing, and @Yg_Trece was still @King24George on Twitter.
Feel old yet?
Times have changed but the stakes remain high. Indiana is rolling into the playoffs behind Paul George’s phenomenal play. The Eastern Conference Player of the month averaged 32.8 ppg, 8.2 apg and 4.5 rpg in April. The Pacers are winners of 5 of their last 6 and are peaking at the right time of year as a team.
Conversely, Cleveland is limping into the post season. The Cavaliers are 10-14 March 1st and the chosen one has chosen to sit out the final 2 games of the regular season, despite Cleveland competing for home court advantage.
So here we are. A king sits on his throne ready to do battle against a worthy competitor. It’s a story we’ve read time and again but this outing is unlike before.
The History
Paul George led the Pacers into battle against the LeBron James led Miami Heat 3 straight years in 2012-2014. Every series was a battle, included a 7 game war in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. During the 2013 ECF series, George averaged 19.4 points a night on 40.2 minutes per game.
Fans will recall the 23-year-old George burst on to the national scene after nailing a buzzer-beating 3 point heave to send Game 1 of the 2013 conference finals into overtime
Big time players make big time plays. The very next season, George was the best player on the best team in the NBA. The Pacers made another conference finals appearance versus Miami but would be thwarted in 6 games.
All told, King James has beaten King George 3 times in 3 tries. But it’s been 3 years since the last duel and the NBA needs another classic playoff battle.
“Good For the NBA.”
In their most recent battle on last Sunday, James posted a triple-double behind 41 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Not to far behind , George recorded 43 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in the Pacers loss.
For whatever reason, Paul George is at his absolute best when he matches up against James. George spoke about the effect James has on his game following the April 2nd loss in Cleveland:
"“It’s fun,” George said of facing James. “I know his game and he knows mine. It’s always fun competing against LeBron. He’s going to get the best out of me every time we play. It’s a good matchup, good for the NBA.”"
Good for the NBA is right.James has gone to an unprecedented 6 straight NBA Finals. Paul George is playing the best basketball of his life and entering the prime of his career. This is the classic tale of the resident champion vs number 1 contender.
James has gone to an unprecedented 6 straight NBA Finals. Paul George is playing the best basketball of his life and entering the prime of his career. This is the classic tale of the resident champion vs number 1 contender.
It’s the type of storyline the association lives for. LeBron is 33 years old and has logged over 41,000 minutes in his 14-year career. For better or worse, King James is on his way to losing his throne in the near future.
Paul George believes he is the best player in the world. But to be the best, you have to beat the best.
"“We’ve got to go out and challenge them,” George said. “It’s going to be tough. They’ve been struggling of late, but they’re still one of the best teams in this game and have one of the best players in the world. It’s going to be a fun matchup. I’m looking forward to it. If you ask me, it’s who I’ve wanted to matchup against.”"
These are the words of a superstar ready to take the league by storm. Paul George has had enough talk, it’s time for action.
Next: How Do The Pacers and Cavaliers Stack Up?
Paul George is King. Long live King George.