The City of Indianapolis Is Paul George’s and So Is the Month of March

Paul George’s game is flourishing in the month of March, and he is putting up the most consistent numbers of his NBA career this season.

On Monday night, Paul George proclaimed the city of Indianapolis his in a win over the Western Conference’s 4th place Utah Jazz. After nailing a 3-pointer to end an 11-0 Jazz run, and put the Pacers up 3, PG13 put the game on ice with a mid-range dagger.

This led to him letting the city of Indianapolis and Bankers Life know whose city that “Naptown” is. It may have also been a reminder to Indy native and fellow All-Star, Gordon Hayward. Maybe it was a message that the 317 belongs to Paul George, the face of the Indiana Pacers, and not the face of Butler University’s Cinderella tournament runs that Indiana citizens hold so close to their hearts.

Or, maybe he said it to ease the minds of Pacers fans in the wake of his trade rumors and let them know he’s here to stay.

Whatever his motives behind that proclamation were, and whatever your opinion of who owns Indy is, it’s hard to argue that the Paul George is not the owner of March. Just look at the numbers.

Paul George’s March Madness

In March, the Pacers superstar is averaging 26.7 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game.

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These numbers far surpass his season averages of 22.5 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game. He’s also had four 30-point games in March, including a 37 point performance two nights ago against the Celtics.

Looking at some of these advanced numbers, the Pacers have relied more on Paul George this month than any other this season. His usage rate is above 30% for the first time this season, and he’s delivering with a season-high 48.1% field goal percentage.

The man is simply balling, and there is reason to believe that that will continue because this has been his most consistent season of his 7-year career. In the past, George has come out of the gates hot, slumped around the all-star break, and then turned it around for a playoff push. That has not been the case this year, and it has been thrilling to watch. Indy fans hope it continues, and also pray that it’s not the last season they get to witness the greatness of Paul George.

The Indiana Pacers’ March Mehness

The month of March is owned by Paul George, but unfortunately, not by the team he plays for. While the Pacers superstar has been thriving and been a model of consistency, the team has not. Indiana has a 15 game alternating wins and losses streak, and the team is providing little support to the valiant efforts of PG.

Having 30-point games that end with nothing to show in the W/L column are demoralizing. For Paul George, it may just be the deciding factor of asking for a trade, leaving via free agency in the summer of 2018-2019, or signing an extension. The Pacers are not impressing Paul George in their campaign to keep him around, but he is clearly not sulking on the court. Everyone has their tipping point, but some wins may just keep that from happening in Paul’s case.

Next: Thaddeus Young’s Detours on His Road to Recovery

The Pacers still have some time, and grabbing  the 5-seed from the Atlanta Hawks will be the first step in inspiring Paul George to stay. But for now, George has the city of Indianapolis and the month of March under his belt. Hopefully some playoff wins are soon to follow.