NBA schedule and results: Cavs outlast Bulls, Rockets hold off Thunder

All of Indiana was amped to see Paul George return to the court on Sunday against the Heat, except for Papa John.

★★★

It’s now official. Paul George has returned to the court just over eight months after suffering a horrific compound fracture in his left leg during a Team USA scrimmage. The long-awaited return happened later than some expected in March, but earlier than many expected when it first happened.

George first checked into the game with 5:34 remaining in the first quarter. The above was how he was received. He then hit his first shot a couple minutes later.

Here are three things we learned from the game:

Irving shot 4-of-5 from deep. That’s impressive in itself, but even more so that he didn’t miss this one:

“What’s up puss?”

LeBron doesn’t notice...

Bulls fans have to be thrilled that Joakim Noah is exploding to the basket again. Those injuries seem like a thing of the past.

(Via ABC).

You know you pulled from waaaay out when you’re able to take a courtside seat and admire your shot before it drops.

★★★

The first round of the East playoffs is probably not going to be exciting, as the talent gap between these teams and the truly good ones is stark. The race to the postseason, however, is offering plenty of unpredictable and exciting moments during a time of the year in which surprises are few and far between.

Bismack Biyombo was all set to throw down a vicious dunk. Too bad he forgot the ball.