Pacers' George on Wizards' Ariza: 'He's not someone that will take me out of my game'
Through two games, the Washington-Indiana series has lacked the war of words that the Toronto-Brooklyn series had, but Pacers swingman Paul George is doing his part to change that.
Paul George on Trevor Ariza: “He’s just a deny guy...He’s a good defender, but he’s not someone that will take me out of my game.” #wizards
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) May 9, 2014
Trevor Ariza has been tasked with the assignment of slowing down the All-Star, and through two games so far, he's done an admirable job.
After averaging 23.8 points during the first round against Atlanta, George has been limited to a combined 29 points after two games against Washington, shooting just 33.3 percent.
For Ariza, the matchup is focused on minor details, all designed to disrupt George's rhythm.
"You just take him off his sweet spots, try to deny him a little bit," Ariza told the Washington Post. "Get him a little uncomfortable."
Whether George admits his slump against the Wizards is due to Ariza or not, it's no doubt noticeable when looking at the season series.
In three games during the regular season, George is averaging 16.7 points on 32.7 percent shooting, the third-lowest production among teams he's played at least three times this season.