United States small forward Paul George breaks leg in intra-squad game

Omnisports Pulse

August 2, 2014 4:08 AM

United States small forward Paul George snapped his lower right leg on Friday, prompting an intra-squad game in Las Vegas to be called off.

In the fourth quarter of the exhibition game - part of the USA's preparations for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, which starts on August 30 - George broke his leg when attempting to stop James Harden scoring on a lay-up.

Medics immediately rushed to the Indiana Pacers man, putting his right leg in a cast and he was eventually stretchered off the court and taken to hospital.

After consulting with the rest of his squad, USA coach Mike Krzyzewski ended the game on the spot.

The majority of the players were visibly distressed by the incident.

"In respect to Paul and his family, the scrimmage is done," Krzyzewski told the crowd via the arena's public address system.

While George's injury will undoubtedly weaken Krzyzewski's squad at the World Cup in Spain, the two-time NBA All-Star's absence will be even more problematic for the Pacers, who lost shooting guard Lance Stephenson to the Charlotte Hornets last month.

Pacers team president Larry Bird said he was "greatly concerned" as he awaited further details.

"We are aware of the injury sustained by Paul George in Friday night's Team USA game in Las Vegas and we are obviously greatly concerned," he said in a statement.

"At this time our thoughts and prayers are with Paul. We are still gathering details and will have an updated statement Saturday."

George scored 21.7 points per game for Indiana last season, up from his career average of 15.3.

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