Pacers’ Paul George wins Kia Most Improved Player Award

Paul George had an outstanding year this season. He earned his first All-Star Game appearance. Helped lead the Pacers to the Central Division title and the No. 3 seed in the eastern Conference. And now, he’s been voted the 2012-13 Kia NBA Most Improved Player.

George received 311 of a possible 1,080 points, including 52 first-place votes, from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Greivis Vasquez of the New Orleans (146 points, 13 first-place votes) and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Larry Sanders (141 points, 10 first-place votes) finished second and third, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third place vote received.

George, who entered the 2012-13 season with career averages of 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals, established career highs in each of those areas this year — a team-high 17.4 points, along with 7.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals. George was the only player in the league to record at least 140 steals (143) and 50 blocks (51).

The Pacers are currently up 1-0 over the Atlanta Hawks in round 1 of the playoffs