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NBA Teams Making the Postseason Hunt Interesting

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) and Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defend in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-86. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) and Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defend in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-86. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) brings the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers

Record: 37-33

Last 10: 6-4

Current Seed: No. 7

Current Streak: Won 1

Whether or not Paul George plays well, the Indiana Pacers are finding ways to win games. That’s quite the relief when one acknowledges what many have readily overlooked: George has been painfully inconsistent this season, and while understandable, that must be acknowledged.

The good news: Indiana is 6-4 in its past 10 games, and George recently scored 45 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The bad news: Indiana lost the game George scored 45 points in.

Thus far, the Pacers have overcome George’s struggles in his return from the compound fracture that kept him sidelined for most of 2014-15. In order to secure a postseason berth, however, Indiana will need its All-NBA forward to be at his very best.

Or, perhaps, the team and the star simply need to get back onto the same page.

George’s 45-point performance makes it 12 losses during games that he’s scored at least 30. That number accurately represents his season, as PG13 has played up and down to the level of his competition, seemingly thriving when his back is against the wall and failing to do so in other situations.

If George can make these final 12 outings his statement games, the Pacers should get back to the postseason.

Next: Eastern Conference, No. 4