Paul George suffered a broken leg during the USA Basketball scrimmage in Las Vegas on Friday, and there’s no way around it — it was ugly.
George went up to try blocking a fastbreak layup attempt by James Harden in the fourth quarter and his leg landed awkwardly against the backstop.
George’s leg bent like a cartoon and snapped. He was treated immediately and a stretcher was brought out for him.
The video is so ugly we have placed it below.
The players all gathered in support after the injury and the crowd chanted “USA, USA!”
Coach K announced that the rest of the scrimmage would be cancelled after Paul George suffered the injury.
“With this serious injury that we have and the fact that we stopped playing for a long period of time, and really in respect to Paul and his family, the scrimmage is done and we want to thank you for your support,” said Coach K.
Several NBA players expressed their support:
Man just landed and got a message about @Paul_George24. Made me immediately sick to my stomach!! Praying for u a speedy recovery homie!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 2, 2014
God bless u my brother @Paul_George24. Im hurt, praying for you. Praying for peace. Praying that God heals you in a supernatural way.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 2, 2014
Prayers pout to Paul George and his family. Stay strong brother
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) August 2, 2014
Prayers up to @Paul_George24 hate to see that happen to anyone.
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin32) August 2, 2014
Prayers out to @Paul_George24 and his family..
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 2, 2014
@paul_george24 praying for you bro
— Lance Stephenson (@StephensonLance) August 2, 2014
Prayers up for @Paul_George24 .Everyone take a minute and say a prayer or send some words of encouragement to him. He will come back strong.
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) August 2, 2014
My Prayers go out Paul George hurts me so bad seeing my Nba brothers go down on major injury pray for a speedy recovery
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) August 2, 2014
Sick to my stomach for Paul George. He's tough as nails though. He'll be back big time.
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) August 2, 2014
Praying for @Paul_George24 for not only the player he is but the person he is. Injuries are thee toughest part of sports
— THREE (@DwyaneWade) August 2, 2014
Damn
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) August 2, 2014
And then there was this from Ty Lawson:
Prayers up for Paul George!!!!! I've been saying the backstop of the basket should be pushed back further
— Ty Lawson (@TyLawson3) August 2, 2014
And this from Shaun Livingston, who had a terrible injury himself:
I know people are in shock from Paul George's injury. He will be able to bounce back bc he has a warrior mentality.
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) August 2, 2014
George was somewhat calm given the situation, likely because he was in shock. Pacers reporter Scott Agness says his parents were even in attendance and had to see it.
