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Pacers F George ready after shootaround
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All posts by Alan DraperUpdated6 hours ago on April 20, 2024
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George had no setbacks during Saturday morning’s shootaround and declared himself ready to play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at the Miami Heat.
George sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the series on Tuesday night when Heat guard Dwyane Wade’s knee struck the back of George’s head while diving for a loose ball. He said after the game he “blacked out.”
George was cleared to return Friday after passing the NBA’s concussion protocol. Then, he practiced Saturday morning with no issues.
“Feel good. Feel great,” George said. “Ready to go.”
George only participated in non-contact drills Thursday and Friday. He worked on shooting and ball-handling.
George said some of the concussion tests, including endurance testing, were challenging.
“It’s a tiring protocol to go through to get cleared,” George said. “But I was able to manage my legs, still icing them, making sure they’re fresh as much as possible.”
Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he is not putting any minutes restrictions on George for Saturday night’s game. However, Vogel did say he was “mildly concerned” about how tired George’s legs were after going through the endurance testing.
“But he said he feels really good,” Vogel said.
George has averaged 21.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 41.3 minutes per game in the playoffs.
The series is tied 1-1.
