Basketball fans did not expect to see a gruesome incident during the US exhibition games last Friday night on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Indiana Pacers All-Star Paul George suffered a unfortunate leg injury as he landed on right leg right after trying to defend a layup. His bone snaps right above the ankle early in the fourth quarter of the games. The remaining time was cancelled thereafter.
No one still knows how critical the injury is. George was treated on the floor for fifteen minutes before he was ushered out and taken to the Las Vegas hospital where he will be undergoing surgery.
A lot of the players were visibly shocked and disturb over the incident including Derrick Rose. But George is seemingly positive despite the injury. He tweeted his fans just after midnight knowing that they are concerned for his well being. He wrote "Thanks everybody for the love and support.. I'll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y'all!!"
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said "This is a first for us in USA Basketball, to have something like this take place. It's a tough situation for our entire organization, the coaches, the players. Very, very emotional. There's no way the game could have gone on under the circumstances."
He added "There's no way the game could have gone on under the circumstances. Our first concern, our primary concern is Paul George. I want to reach out to the Indiana Pacers organization ... this is a tough blow not only for USA Basketball but the Indiana Pacers."
Aside from Colangelo, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a formal statement last Friday night. He said "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."
Team USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski has seen a lot of injury during his time as a coach and that the tea's prayers and thoughts are with George and his family saying "Paul's family is with him, hopefully at the hospital right now. Everything is on hold. It's so inappropriate for us to talk about anything else."
