Paul George scores 32 points in Pacers' preseason win

For one night, at least, Paul George managed to shunt aside the fracas between him and the Indiana Pacers brass over the position he'll play this season - an issue that has come to define his offseason.

In the Pacers' second game of the preseason Tuesday night, George finally looked all the way back from his traumatic leg injury, playing easily his best game since suffering it some 14 months ago.

George torched the Detroit Pistons for 32 points in just 24 minutes, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, as the Pacers eked out a 115-112 win.

George hit jumpers from all over the court - off the bounce and the catch, with step-backs and leaners - and, perhaps more importantly, looked comfortable putting the ball on the floor and driving into traffic.

He scored 20 points in the first quarter alone.

George started as the Pacers' nominal power forward, but he was rarely deployed in the post, didn't play close to the basket, and pulled in just two rebounds.

Doubtless, the debate about his natural position will resurface. On Tuesday, though, it was just nice to see him play like his old self again.