When Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Paul George was the first candidate mentioned from the list of 2019 MVP finalists, it did not feel like a good sign. Though, 2019 NBA Awards show emcee and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was quite complimentary of the Thunder forward.
One of the best two-way players in the league today … There aren’t too many guys you want on the floor with the game on the line than Paul George.
But Shaq’s compliments could not get George over the hump, as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo received 2019 NBA MVP honors
George finished second in the NBA in points per game (28), only trailing the third NBA MVP finalist and Houston Rockets guard, James Harden (36.1). George also led the league in steals per game (2.2), along with several hustle categories (89 defensive loose balls recovered and 292 deflections) — which is why he was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, though he ultimately finished third.
George also finished third in the MVP voting with 356 points. But he didn’t receive a single first-place vote for this award, only Antetokounmpo (78) and Harden (23) did, per Brett Dawson of The Athletic. Harden (78) and Antetokounmpo (23) were also the only players to receive second-place votes.
