NBA Power Rankings: Golden State Warriors Impress Sans Stephen Curry

May 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) coach Frank Vogel and forward Paul George (13) walk back to the bench after a skirmish with the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter of game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Toronto 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) coach Frank Vogel and forward Paul George (13) walk back to the bench after a skirmish with the Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter of game four of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Toronto 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

8. Indiana Pacers (3-4)

In the end, the Indiana Pacers – and Paul George – were one star, or even just another quality player, away from winning this series against the Toronto Raptors. However, with that said, the Pacers have nothing to be ashamed about.

They pushed the second seed in the Eastern Conference to seven games, and nearly stole the series on the road. As the Pacers head into the offseason, that’s something they should feel really good about.

Indiana has a solid foundation in place, money and assets to move. The Pacers should be considered one of the best landing spots for any free agent this summer. And after the performance he put on in the postseason, I don’t think anyone should be questioning Paul George.

He’s back, and better than ever.

Next: Toronto Raptors