Chapter 78: General George of Indore!

Paul George stands at two meters and six centimeters, blessed with an absolutely dominant physical prowess. A devoted fan of Kobe Bryant, his technical movements bear a certain resemblance to those of the Black Mamba. For instance, the way he shook off Michael Wu just now with a sudden stop and pull-up—a move full of Mamba flair. Despite Wu’s desperate pursuit, George’s every action was flawless, including the final, steady shot.

“Paul George shakes off Michael and sinks the mid-range jumper with ease!” The commentator at courtside was visibly excited. “The Pacers’ first possession after the timeout goes straight to the team’s leader to solve the problem, and Paul George never lets the coach down!”

“That’s right, just look at Paul George’s movements—so smooth. Honestly, Michael’s defense wasn’t even bad, but he was powerless!” another commentator sighed helplessly. “Really, I feel bad for Michael. He just stepped onto the court and has to face superstar-level isolation!”

“Haha, Orlando’s rookie is better suited to waving towels on the sideline!”

It wasn’t just the commentators dissecting the play; the home fans were even more exhilarated. Especially after Wu’s all-out effort to contest was coolly answered with two points by George, the fans’ faces lit up with wide smiles.

“Look at that kid’s chase defense—he’s too young!”

“Yeah, Paul George breezed past him as easily as crossing the street!”

The Pacers fans courtside grew more and more animated. Even though their team was still trailing, seeing the previously towel-waving Wu now put in his place brought them an indescribable satisfaction.

After scoring, Paul George didn’t even glance at Wu. In his mind, a rookie who could be beaten so effortlessly wasn’t worth wasting his time on. He instinctively shot a look at the Magic’s bench and even nudged his chin toward their coach, Frank Vogel, as if unimpressed with the “prey” his former coach had sent out.

Meanwhile, Michael Wu watched George retreat on defense, still somewhat dazed.

This was what superstar-level offensive ability looked like!

Whether it was the first step with the ball, or the control of rhythm, Paul George was, without question, the strongest opponent Wu had faced in every respect so far.

Though Wu had previously matched up against another All-Star, Gordon Hayward, his immediate impression was that these two were not on the same level at all.

Paul George was far superior to Hayward!

“Michael, it’s just a routine play—don’t overthink it!” Serge Ibaka, already inbounding the ball, gave Wu a push from behind. “It’s our turn to attack!”

“I’m fine, Serge.”

Wu knew his teammates probably assumed the rookie would be shaken by such overwhelming offense, but truthfully, Wu felt no panic at all; in fact, he was a bit excited!

After replying to Ibaka, Wu sprinted upcourt with him to join the offense.

Yet calm in mind didn’t mean Wu could return the favor against George on the offensive end. Paul George, after all, was a star built on defense, repeatedly selected for the league’s All-Defensive teams.

He was named to the All-Defensive First Team in the 2013–2014 season; his defensive prowess was superb!

Moreover, George was giving Wu extra “attention,” so much so that Wu had no opportunity to break free for a pass.

With Wu tightly guarded, the rest of the Magic could still operate normally. Elfrid Payton and Ibaka ran a simple pick-and-roll before swinging the ball to the perimeter for Evan Fournier. Fournier faked, prompting Monta Ellis to leap instinctively.

After all, Fournier had already hit two three-pointers from that spot.

But Fournier was a consummate shooter with a professional feint. He sent Ellis flying, took a step inside, and smoothly drained a long two for an easy basket.

“Evan Fournier answers! Orlando isn’t fazed at all by Paul George’s play!”

Possession changed hands. The Pacers attacked again, Jeff Teague fulfilling his role by bringing the ball across half court and handing it off to George. The floor spread wide—another isolation for Paul George against Michael Wu!

This time, Wu widened his eyes, stretched his arms, and mirrored George’s lowered stance, inching along with him.

On site, many Pacers fans watched intently, knowing George was about to school this young man again.

And George would not disappoint his fans. With a sudden burst, his first step left Wu half a beat behind. That split second was all George needed—stop, accelerate, and Wu was left in the dust as George drove into the lane for a low layup.

The ball slid past Ibaka’s fingertips, who tried to block it, and then softly fell into the net—Paul George claimed another two points!

“Hey! That guy can’t guard Paul at all!”

“Man, he can’t guard anybody!”

After the play, Bankers Life Fieldhouse erupted. Nothing excites these fans more than seeing a lively visiting player, previously so active on the bench, get schooled by their star.

Especially after George broke through Wu’s defense on two consecutive possessions!

“Your defense is pretty good,” George murmured to Wu as he retreated, brushing past him, “but it’s just not enough to stop me.”

“Huh? Are you serious?” George’s direct provocation caught Wu off guard. “But that wasn’t my best defense.”

“Oh? Then you’d better show me what you’ve really got, kid.” George glanced twice at the scoreboard up above. “Otherwise, you’ll be trailing soon.”

“You must be joking. Only one team will be behind in this game.” Even though he was outmatched on both ends, Wu wouldn’t lose in the war of words.

But this time, George didn’t respond—he simply shrugged, as if indifferent.

Of course, with his top-tier defensive ability, George had every reason to look down on Wu. Back on defense, Wu was still completely locked up; on offense, it was no contest. George seemed to have found his prey’s fatal weakness, isolating four times in a row—apart from one missed pull-up due to a cold hand, he converted the other three, and on the fourth, forced Wu into a hand-foul under full pressure.

“Paul George scores two and draws the foul!” The commentator glanced at the stats sheet. “He’s isolated against Michael four times in a row, and almost every possession has paid off!”

“Now, the pressure is squarely on Orlando’s young and popular newcomer!”