OKC Thunder: Stats hint Paul George’s ‘Playoff P’ is ready for his series debut

Paul George has struggled through three games in the OKC Thunder – Blazers series. But, signs point to ‘Playoff P’ being ready to make an appearance.

Through three games in the OKC Thunder – Portland Trail Blazers series Paul George hasn’t exactly produced ‘Playoff P’ type performances. In fairness, George is suffering from a shoulder (or possibly both shoulders) being injured. In spite of PG13 statements to the contrary, it’s hard not to believe the shoulder is a factor.

Certainly, his dunk at the end of Game 3 would offer a reason to believe the shoulder is fine. If it wasn’t why go up for the dunk especially with the game already in hand?

Recently on ESPN’s The Jump Tracy McGrady suggested he believes George has a torn labrum. When Rachel Nichols inquired how he could possibly play through the pain TMac mimed getting a needle. The implication being PG is getting freezing in the arm. That may explain why his shot efficiency has been off by so much. Or we could simply take George at his word that his timing is off from missing games. ‘

A search of the net offers reasons to buy into what McGrady is suggesting.

"What does it feel like to have a torn labrum? You may also feel a sense of instability in your shoulder, a decreased range of motion, and a loss of strength. Pain at night or while doing daily activities is also common. If you have a Bankart tear, it may feel like your shoulder will slip out of its joint."

Regardless, if the OKC Thunder hope to even this series with a view to eventually winning at some point they’ll need a performance from George more along the lines of his season best. Or should I say, they’ll need ‘Playoff P’ to arrive.  Well, the good news is the stats indicate there are signs ‘Playoff P’ will make his series debut.