Paul George: 'I knew I was needed'

Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George has admitted that he knew he was going to have to play a heavy stretch of his side's game four encounter against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

The Pacers won the tie to stretch their semi-final lead to 3-1, with George playing a decisive role in the game by registering 39 points and 12 rebounds at the Verizon Center.

"Usually coach will take me out for a breather," George told reporters after the game.

"I knew every horn that sounded wasn't for someone to get me."

A potentially decisive game five takes place between the two sides on Tuesday in Indianapolis.