Paul George scores 33 as Pacers beat Raptors 100-90 in Game 1

TORONTO (AP) — For Paul George, watching the Indiana Pacers miss the playoffs while sidelined by injury last season was a painful experience.

Now healthy, he couldn't be happier about being back in the postseason.

George scored 33 points, Monta Ellis had 15 and the Pacers beat the Toronto Raptors 100-90 in Game 1 of their first round playoff series this afternoon.

George missed all but six games last season after breaking his right leg while playing in a scrimmage with Team USA before the 2014 World Cup. Without their star for much of the season, Indiana slumped to a 38-44 finish and missed the playoffs for the first time in five years.

"That hurt more than the actual break, not getting this team to the playoffs last year," George said. "This means a lot, it means a lot to be back here, it means a lot to be on this stage again."