Paul George named Eastern Conference All-Star Starter

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY SportsThe Indiana Pacers may have had their struggles in recent weeks, but as the team retools following a smash-mouth era that resulted in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals trips, to be in the thick of the playoff race halfway through the season is due in a big part to the return to form Paul George. George stormed out of the gates in his first opening month since 2013, winning the Eastern Conference Player of the Month Award.

As a reward for his return to form, fans have voted Paul George as astarter for the NBA All-Star Game for the second time in three years. George is averaging 23.7 points per game and 7.4 rebounds in his first season back since…