Indiana’s Paul George out with concussion, might not play Game 3

Indiana’s Paul George has a concussion, and it’s unclear when he will return to practice or whether he will play Saturday night against Miami.

The two-time All-Star was injured during a collision with Heat guard Dwyane Wade in the fourth quarter. Both players stayed down, then went to their benches briefly and returned after the timeout that had been called. After the game, George told reporters that he “blacked out” and had blurred vision — something coach Frank Vogel and the Pacers medical team said they were not told.

On Wednesday, based on George’s comments, Pacers doctors determined he did have a concussion. George must now go through the NBA’s mandated protocol before being cleared to play.

The NBA also said the Pacers’ doctors followed proper protocol Tuesday night.

George remained down for a few moments, but played the remainder of the game. He revealed afterward that he “blacked out” on the play, something that the Pacers say was not relayed to their medical staff.

“George exhibited no symptoms of a concussion and, in response to questions from the Pacers’ medical staff, he denied dizziness, nausea, and issues with his vision,” the Pacers said Wednesday. “He was also active and aware of his surroundings. As a result, the Indiana medical staff did not suspect a concussion.”

But after the “blacked out” comment, the Pacers evaluated George again Wednesday morning.

“This case illustrates that concussion evaluation is an ongoing process and manifestations of the injury may not always present immediately,” said NBA Concussion Program Director Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, who will discuss George’s return-to-participation process with the Pacers’ team doctor before clearance is given for a return.

Miami evened the series with an 87-83 win, after LeBron James and Wade controlled the fourth quarter for the Heat.