(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)
It's always dangerous and foolish to judge a player's worth off of one game. However, when that one game is Game 7 of a playoff series, we tend to put more weight on it. And probably for good reason – we expect our superstars to perform their best under the bright lights and high pressure of the NBA playoffs. So based on his performance last night, Paul George showed that he isn't quite ready yet for the big time.
George shot 2-9 from the field and almost registered as many fouls (6) as points (7). When his team needed him the most, George failed to deliver. But that is ok. And it is totally understandable. Based on his superb play this season, especially in the playoffs, much was expected of George. But we have to remember he is only 23 years old and in just his third year in the League. Plus this is the first year that he has truly been "THE MAN" for the Pacers. Add in the fact that he was going up against the Heat on the road, matched up with the best player in the game in LeBron James, and George's performance in Game 7 is more excusable.
While George's Game 7 is disappointing, it isn't devastating. All the best players have failed in the playoffs before finally succeeding, so this should just be looked at as part of George's natural progression from prospect to star to superstar. The sky is still the limit. And if George's performance this season is of any worth, he'll reach that limit sooner rather than later.
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