On Thursday night the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat went to war with major ground to be made on both sides in the race for the Eastern Conference's top seed in the postseason. Both teams have struggled of late, but the Pacers' issues have been more magnified thanks to some off-color behavior by star Paul George off the court.
Paul George denies catfish scandal, knows woman who leaked pics?
Between rumors of offering a stripper $1 million to have an abortion, to recent shirtless and nude photos leaking on the internet in a "catfish" scandal, George's focus and maturity has been called into question. That didn't matter much when he stared down LeBron James' Heat.
Like us on Facebook for more Pacers, Paul George updates
George was 8-of-19 (42 percent) from the field and put up 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in a one-point victory. In the process of filling up the stat sheet George managed to strip LeBron on a face-up as well as blow by him with a vicious crossover for an arena-rattling slam.
Paul Geoge baby mama rumors addressed?
James had a phenomenal game, putting up 38 points, eight boards and five assists, scoring nearly half Miami's points, but this game will be remembered by George's highlight.
Earlier in the week George had told reporters the catfishing incident wouldn't affect him on the court, because the photos were leaked by a woman he knows. "The whole story, as far as me being "Catfished," I know the girl that sent the pictures out," George said. "It wasn't a catfish story, it was a girl. I don't want to get into the story but I know who's behind it.
"I'm good. A lot of it is just stuff trying to bring me down. I'm good with it. The thing that just came out, it's all a fake. It really don't have any wear on me because I know it's not true."
Judging by how he went toe-to-toe with the best player in the world, it might be time to take him at his word.
Paul George on LeBron's level after last night? Tell us @SportsWN
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
