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PAUL GEORGE IS BACK

By Jared Wade

May 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts during a break against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) reacts during a break against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul George shattered both bones of his lower leg on August 1 and missed the first 76 games of the season, but he will return to game action tomorrow against the Miami Heat.

“The recovery has been a long process and this is another step in the process,” said Paul George. “I thank everyone, my family, friends, doctors, our training staff, coaches, the entire Pacers’ family for their support and encouragement. I’m excited, but at the same time I’m aware I’m still in a rehab stage and will continue to work to get back to full strength.”

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The Pacers are currently in 10th place, trailing the 8th-place Heat by 1.5 games for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. So George’s return comes at the most critical juncture of the season. After dropping six straight games to jeopardize their chance at the postseason, a win over the Washington Wizards on March 25 looked like a step back in the right direction. Then the Pacers lost three of their next four — falling to teams also battling for the 8th seed in the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.

A blowout victory over another playoff-chasing team, the Charlotte Hornets, means they still have a chance. But given that they have to face three strong teams — Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies — in their final three games, it remains a long shot.

While Paul George’s minutes are likely to remain limited as the team watches his physical progress during his return, the emotional lift to the team could be critical. Indiana likely needs to win at least four of their final six games to sneak into the postseason, so anything he can give in the right direction would be huge.

“We’re happy to have Paul back in uniform, and this is just another step in his rehabilitation from the injury,” said Larry Bird, the Pacers president. “He has worked hard to get to this point and still has work to do, but it’s a positive step toward what we hope will be a full recovery at some point. His minutes will be limited in games he plays as we evaluate his progress moving forward.”

In addition to making his season debut, Paul George will also be making his career debut wearing number 13. He has worn number 24 throughout his career, but made an official switch in the offseason before breaking his leg to capitalize on the PG-13 and/or Young Trece nickname.

No matter whether the team plays just 82 games this season or more, however, getting Paul George back and healthy is the top priority for the franchise.

This first step is just that, but it will hopefully help the team’s star shake off some rust. Just getting back on the court and playing full-speed in an NBA game should do wonders for his psyche heading into a long offseason — which for him will be a 15-month layoff come November broken up only a few actual games.

Next: Paul George Throws Down 360 Windmill IN A GAME!!!

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