8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Why the Indiana Pacers Won Seven Straight, And Why They Can Win Tonight

By Ben Gibson

Feb 1, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Miles (0) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) after scoring against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. The Pacers won 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Miles (0) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) after scoring against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. The Pacers won 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Paul George of the Indiana Pacers
Jan 23, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. New York defeats Indiana 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul George is Back (Again)

Is Paul George slipping?

No, he most certainly isn’t.

That idea had been floating around all season thanks to him not “taking a step” forward like some expected. They discounted his suddenly elite clutch play and increased efficiency, decrying that he wasn’t dominating games.

Fair points, but much like the team as a whole, it was taking time for him and the team to gel together and reach their potential.

More from 8 Points, 9 Seconds

George rattled off four straight games with 30+ points, three of which were part of this streak. After an off game against the Orlando Magic, he has scored 20+ points in the last three games.

Unlike last season, he doesn’t need to nearly lead the team in every major statistical category. He can have off nights and the Pacers still can win. Recently, he has reaffirmed his ability to close out and deliver when his team needs him to.

One other thing that extends beyond this seven game stretch is the fact that Paul George has yet to bottom out for a solid month as he did in the past. This season he is more consistent while still showing us the peaks to his game without the valleys.

He is the reason the Indiana Pacers have a chance to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James tonight. It certainly isn’t easy, but Paul George can slow down LBJ and give his team a better chance at winning. If George goes off again for 30+ points, then the Pacers just might knock off the defending champions tonight.

This is a friendly rivalry, one that brings the best out of both men. With the Pacers streaking, this is a good as time as ever for Paul George to show he belongs on the King’s court.

Next: Indiana Pacers Breaking Into the Top 10 of the Power Rankings

It isn’t easy, it never is, but Paul George is why Indiana is on a winning streak and can extend it to eight tonight.

Home/Pacers News