Paul George Returns with 13 Points in Pacers vs Miami Game After Broken Leg Injury
Paul George of the Indiana Pacers had a stunning comeback on Sunday in a match against the Miami Heat after recovering from a broken leg injury. George was given a standing ovation by the crowd when he stepped on the court and was cheered on by hometown fans with "Welcome back PG" signs, reported ESPN.
George entered at 5:34 mark at the first quarter, scored 13 points in 15 minutes and made two key 3-pointers in the first few minutes of the fourth quarter. George played a commendable role in helping Indiana win Miami with 112-89, as well as in placing the team in a good position to take one of two available playoff spots, according to ESPN.
"Everything that I expected, welcoming me back into the game was probably the greatest moment that I've had. It was so hard to not get caught up in the moment," ESPN quoted the NBA star in another report.
George also added that he felt no pain on his leg after the game except for little soreness. He also mentioned that he wasn't nervous but rather excited and elated to be back.
The NBA star's parents, sister, brother and daughter were present in the stadium to watch the match on the remarkable Easter Sunday. "Paul wanted to be Paul," said Paulette, George's mom, reported ESPN.
She also added, "I think he felt a lot of pressure and wanted to show the fans he was back. He wanted to give them a show. ... It's resurrection day. It's like he came alive on the right day."
George's father, who was also elated, said that it was like Christmas for them.
"You could feel the energy in the crowd even before he checked in," Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel notes of George. "We've been seeing him play for five weeks so what we saw out there isn't any different from what we've been seeing."
The coach also added, "He hasn't led the league in scoring, but he's been the best two-way player in the game, and I think we saw a lot of that tonight in terms of how he impacted both ends," according to ESPN.