Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James Praises Paul George For Passing: “The Best Player Doesn’t Have To Take The Last Shot”

With the game on the line, Paul George had the ball in his hands as the final seconds of the first game in the playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Indiana Pacers ran down. George was guarded by JR Smith, but before getting up a shot or being able to drive to the basket, LeBron James recognized George and came over for the double-team. George then had pass the ball to C.J. Miles, who missed the potential game-winner, sealing the deal for the Cavs’ 109-108 win.

As usual on plays like that, people critizied George for passing the ball and not taking the last shot out of a double team.

STILL CAN'T BELIEVE PAUL GEORGE TURNED INTO LEBRON ON LAST PLAY AND TURNED DOWN DRIVING/GETTING TO FT LINE VS JR SMITH. NO BIG-SHOT GUTS.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 15, 2017

‘Turned into LeBron’ – for years, LeBron James has been know for passing the ball at the end of the game and has been made fun off, and after the game, exactly that LeBron praised Paul George for passing the ball. He said that George made the right call, and that the best player on the floor does not have to take the last shot.

 

“If I get doubled, I’m giving it up. That’s me. If you get doubled, I think we all know math in here: If it’s two guys on the ball, that means it’s a 4-on-3. We have good numbers. You know, so, the best player on the floor doesn’t have to take the shot. You know, I think he made the right play.”

LeBron James said Paul George "made the right play" w/ pass on last possession: "Best player on the floor doesn't [have] to take the shot" pic.twitter.com/viposeE1IJ

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 15, 2017

Paul George himself though didn’t feel that way, and criticized his teammate CJ Miles saying that he has to get the ball back.

Pacers' Paul George on final possession in Game 1 loss vs. Cavaliers: "Situations like that, I've got to get the last shot." pic.twitter.com/nZIud7OvCU

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 15, 2017