George to jeering Pacers fans: 'We work harder off cheers than boos'

The Indiana Pacers' frustrating season hit a new low on Monday.

Boos rained down from the rafters at Bankers Life Fieldhouse as the Pacers dropped a frustrating loss to the New York Knicks with Hall of Famer Reggie Miller in town along with TNT's national broadcast cameras.

Pacers star Paul George didn't take kindly to the harsh reception from his fans. He understands that the fanbase is frustrated, but he urged them to stay positive through a tough stretch.

"Obviously, I get it. The team's not performing, and we're not playing well ..." George told Jim Ayello of Indy Star Sports. "You know, it's not like we're out there not giving our all. We want to win just as much as the fans want us to win. It's not like we're out there throwing games or trying to lose on purpose. It doesn't help - booing us.

"We want to come out and play hard. We want to play hard for them. It's not like we're out there, just out there to be there. I get it, though. They expect us to be at a high level. I get it. I don't think booing is the solution."

The Pacers fumbled a series of awkward possessions down the stretch to give the struggling Knicks a victory on their home court. It marked the latest disappointment in what was supposed to be a dramatic resurgent season for the team following an active offseason. Many expected the Pacers to contend for home-court advantage in the playoffs but they remain at .500 through half a season.

George says positive encouragement would help more than boos.

"They can do what they want. They pay their money, their hard-earned money to watch us play. They got the right to do whatever they want. It doesn't hurt me. It doesn't hurt my feelings. Just know we work harder off cheers than boos."