NBA scores 2015: Paul George can still take over a game and 3 other things we learned

The Pacers are streaking thanks to an inspired Paul George and the Warriors can’t be stopped. That and the rest of the action from Friday in the NBA.

by Jeje Gomez

Nov 7, 2015, 1:00 PM UTC

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

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NBA schedule and results: Stephen Curry, Warriors throttle Nuggets to remain unbeaten

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Paul George showed that he can still be a star. He scored 36 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in his team's win over the Heat, 90-87. After starting the season 0-3, Indiana is now back at .500 and following a three-game streak.

Things haven't been easy for the Pacers early in the season. Following a tough loss to the Jazz on the third game of the season, George complained about their poor defense, fueling speculation that he was unhappy with the team's direction. On the two games that followed -- back-to-back wins against the Pistons and Celtics -- Indiana allowed their opponents only 92 points per 100 possessions. They put the clamps on the Heat, as well, limiting Dwyane Wade to just nine points for the night and sending Miami only 13 times to the line.

While the defense has been coming along, the offense has continued to struggle and the game against Miami wasn’t the exception. The Pacers fell behind by double digits after a dreadful first quarter. George carried them early on but went cold late and didn’t regain his touch before the break. The role players had to step up in order to cut the deficit in the second quarter, led by George Hill’s nine points. Then in the second half, George took over.

He was perfect from the floor in the third quarter and outscored the rest of his teammates combined in the second half 21 to 20 despite mostly taking jump shots.

After getting into a scuffle with Hassan Whiteside with four minutes to go in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 80, George hit two consecutive shots. Then, a couple of free throws with one minute to go after Chris Boss tied it and gave Indiana the lead again. He couldn't ice the win from the line but Wade missed a last-second three-pointer and they escaped with a good win at home that would not have been possible without George providing a vintage performance. The Pacers' season is still alive.

3 other things we learned

The Warriors are operating at another level

The Warriors beat the Nuggets, 119-104, but the final result doesn't really reflect how lopsided the game was. Stephen Curry had 20 points and eight assists at the half, they were up 30 and 28 of their total 30 field goals had been assisted. Not even Draymond Green could believe how good they had been.

They got complacent in the second half and allowed the Nuggets to get within 10 in the fourth quarter, but the outcome of the game was never in question. The Warriors are a step or two above the competition right now. It’s as simple as that.

Anthony Davis can't do it alone

Anthony Davis, who by his standards had been mediocre in the past four games, exploded for 43 points in just 23 shots. He ran roughshod over Atlanta's defense, scoring inside and out and getting to the line 16 times. It still wasn't enough. The Pelicans are now 0-5 to start the season after losing to the Hawks at home.

Injuries are threatening to derail a season that started out with playoff aspirations. Tyreke Evans, Omer Asik, Kendrick Perkins, Norris Cole and Quincy Pondexter are all out and cobbling together a decent rotation is becoming impossible for coach Alvin Gentry. By the time everyone returns, Davis, who played 42 minutes, could be spent.

Hopefully their injury luck changes and we get to see how good that core can be.

The Lakers' youngsters are starting to figure things out

D'Angelo Russell, the second overall pick in the 2015 draft, had his best game as a pro on the Lakers' win over the Nets, going 6-for-9 from the field for 16 points in just 24 minutes on the court. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson also shined, combining for 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists. It's the first time all three have looked good on the same game. Even if it was against New Jersey, that's reason for optimism in Los Angeles.

Of course, Byron Scott benched Russell late, choosing to go with Lou Williams instead of providing a potential franchise cornerstone with valuable time on the court in a close game. Hopefully Russell, as well as the other young players on the roster, continue to play well enough to eventually earn their coach's trust.

Play of the night

Jabari Parker, appearing in just his second game of the season after recovering from an ACL tear, proved that his injury is in the past by throwing down a reverse dunk on the Knicks. Welcome back, Jabari!