Paul George has a concussion and cannot play again until cleared by the NBA’s protocol.
Indiana’s best all-around player, George took a knee to the head from Miami’s Dwyane Wade in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s Game 2 loss. According to the Pacers, he showed no signs of a concussion when he was examined by the team’s medical staff immediately after the play.
George was aware of his surroundings and told the staff he felt no dizziness, nausea or vision issues. However, in postgame interviews George said he “blacked out” on the play.
That prompted the Pacers to run the NBA-mandated concussion assessment, which again did not reveal any active symptoms.
George underwent more testing Wednesday morning and was diagnosed with a concussion by the team’s consulting neurologist based on his “blackout.” In order to return to the court, he must complete the league-mandated protocol.
“The Indiana Pacers medical team followed the NBA concussion protocol and there was no indication of concussion during the game,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, director of the NBA Concussion Program. “This case illustrates that concussion evaluation is an ongoing process and manifestations of the injury may not always present immediately.”
The Pacers and Heat resume the Eastern Conference finals Saturday in Miami, an abnormally long stretch of days off during the playoffs that could work in George’s favor, possibly allowing him to return in time for Game 3.
George had 24 points and seven assists in Indiana’s Game 1 win but managed just 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting in Game 2. In the postseason, he leads the Pacers in scoring (21.5 ppg) and rebounding (8.1) while ranking third in assists (4.1). He also has a team-best 2.07 steals.
George also matches up with Heat superstar LeBron James and has done a credible job thus far. Considered the best player in the game, James had 25 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1 but had just 10 points through three quarters of Game 2 before dropping a dozen points in the final period.