EDITOR'S NOTE: The video below of Paul George's injury sustained during the Team USA scrimmage is disturbing and may not be suitable for some viewers.
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Indiana Pacers guard/forward Paul George suffered a severe leg injury in a Team USA scrimmage Friday night. He pursued James Harden in transition defense, then landed awkwardly against the stanchion, at which point a replay from ESPN clearly showed his leg fracturing.
The Indianapolis Star reports that George suffered a compound fracture of his right leg.
Paul George suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula. Will be in surgery for two hours, to get a pin placed in his leg.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) August 2, 2014
George was taken off the court in a stretcher to a standing ovation. After the injury, Coach Mike Krzyzewski led the players to mid-court and informed the crowd they were calling off the remainder of the scrimmage. ESPN reports that George was taken to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Las Vegas. ESPN also reported that the stanchion against which George suffered the injury was closer than the NBA-regulated space.
@Truth_About_It see difference pic.twitter.com/B0POaa2Bz1
— ManBearPig (@tdot82) August 2, 2014
George tweeted the following Friday night after the injury and before his surgery.
Thanks everybody for the love and support.. I'll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y'all!! #YoungTrece
— Paul George (@Paul_George24) August 2, 2014
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement: "It was difficult to watch the injury that Paul George sustained tonight while representing his country. The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the NBA are with Paul and his family."
The Pacers released the following statement Friday night on behalf of Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird:
"We are aware of the injury sustained by Paul George in Friday night's Team USA game in Las Vegas," Bird said, "and we are obviously greatly concerned. At this time our thoughts and prayers are with Paul. We are still gathering details and will have an updated statement Saturday."
George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season for Indiana.