NBA: Each team’s greatest comeback from injury in franchise history

Greatest injury comeback in Indiana Pacers history: Paul George

Broken leg

The offseason in the NBA is always considered to be a safe haven for players, especially when they’re participating with USA Basketball.

That wasn’t the case back in August 2014, during an intrasquad scrimmage that was televised in Las Vegas. Forward Paul George started the break and went awkwardly into the stanchion of the goal, only he didn’t get up right away. When cameras zoomed in, the reaction was very similar to those in attendance, who all gasped in disgust as George’s leg had broken.

He missed all but six games during the 2014-15 regular season, showing the grueling process of rehab from such a wild injury. He returned to full strength though in 2015-16, appearing in 81 games and averaging a career-high 23.1 points per contest along with 7.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

George showed he was back to his normal self just five games into the season, pouring in 43 points for the Indiana Pacers on April 2, 2017 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 135-130 double overtime loss.

Now, George is a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he’s leading the team in scoring with 28.6 points per contest. He’s bounced back tremendously since his broken leg injury, with seven games already this season with 40 points or more and 19 with 30 points or more.

He’s put up 47 points twice this season, both in victories, against the Brooklyn Nets on the road and Portland Trail Blazers at home. His injury set him back briefly, but it didn’t take him long to reach his All-Star status once again.