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Friday evening's intra-squad scrimmage between hopefuls for the United States' entry into the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup gave us the best and very worst of times. Portland guard Damian Lillard shone on both ends of the floor, scoring 7 points including a magnificent 3/4-court buzzer-beater to end the first half:
Disaster struck 27 into the fourth quarter when Indiana Pacers forward Paul George snapped his leg while defending James Harden on the baseline. George was carted out of the game on a stretcher and the scrimmage was called off. We're not going to show or link to video of the graphic injury and we ask you not to put GIF's, videos, or pictures of the event in the comments in deference to those who don't wish to see anything they can't un-see. If you're curious, you know how to look it up.
We'll update with details as they become available. Until then, condolences to Paul George, his family, plus the Pacers and their fans. Hopefully the remainder of summer basketball will remain injury-free.
Update: Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star has issued multiple updates via Twitter. These include:
Paul George suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula. Will be in surgery for two hours, to get a pin placed in his leg.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) August 2, 2014
Paul George expected to be hospitalized 2-3 days in Las Vegas.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) August 2, 2014
and a story which includes the reaction of many of George's fellow players.
Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement on behalf of the league:
"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."
Meanwhile CSNNW's Chris Haynes has a bead on Lillard's immediate plans:
#Blazers G Damian Lillard tells @CSNNW he'll continue playing for Team USA.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 2, 2014
You can find updates and tons of fan reaction to George's injury at our sister site, IndyCornRows.com.
--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / @DaveDeckard