Catchings, Paul George Share Unique Bond


Two of the most recognizable faces in the fervent Indiana basketball scene are Tamika Catchings and Paul George. Although Catch is 11 years George’s senior, the two have grown to not only be some of the best talents in their respective leagues, they’ve also become friends.

Catchings will play her final regular season game on Sunday afternoon, and she’ll do so in front her friend Paul George, and an undoubtedly packed Bankers Life Fieldhouse complete with the 5,000 tickets that George bought for others to take in the spectacle with him. A tangible showcase of the friendship and respect one athlete has for another.

“All of a sudden everyone was calling and texting me about him buying the tickets, and I of course called him”, Catchings said when speaking to the media on Friday about her relationship with George. “I told him I really appreciate it. I was there for his first game, and I’ve gotten to know him over the course of a few years so it’s been cool to see him grow, especially seeing him over in Rio for his first Olympics.”

George may be just ascending to his peak as Tamika steps off from hers, but still, the amount that these two have done for the Indianapolis community and the basketball world in general is remarkable. The bond between them, truly unique. It’s difficult to find such similar stars in one sport, let alone in one city.

Indianapolis has that and then some with Catchings and George. Now, just as Tamika was there for PG-13’s first NBA game, he’ll be there for her final one.