UPDATE: Paul George has made a triumphant return to the NBA, helping the Philadelphia 76ers secure a dramatic 110-108 victory over the LA Clippers on November 6, 2023. This marks George’s first game since undergoing knee surgery in July, and he expressed that he “felt good” after a lengthy recovery.
George, who played just 21 minutes in his comeback, contributed nine points and seven rebounds against his former team. Despite a rough shooting night, going 2-for-9 from the field, he made an immediate impact with a three-pointer just one minute into the game, igniting the 76ers’ comeback from a daunting 14-point deficit.
“It felt great to finally play basketball again,” George said, acknowledging his long and challenging recovery journey. “Rusty, but I felt good.” His return is crucial for a 76ers team that has struggled with injuries and performance issues since signing him to a max contract worth $212 million in July 2024.
The game was intense, with Tyrese Maxey leading the charge for Philadelphia, scoring an impressive 39 points. However, it was a nail-biting finish as the Clippers had opportunities to tie or take the lead in the closing moments. Former 76er James Harden missed two critical three-point attempts, despite claiming he was fouled on the first shot.
While George sat out the final 8:52 of the game, his presence was felt as the 76ers improved to 8-5 this season, showcasing resilience in clutch situations with a 7-4 record in close games.
In other injury news, Joel Embiid missed his fourth straight game due to right knee soreness, but coach Nick Nurse indicated that Embiid is progressing and nearing a return. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. remains sidelined with a left knee sprain, further complicating the 76ers’ lineup.
As George prepares for increased minutes in upcoming games, the 76ers will look to build on this momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how his return impacts the team’s dynamics as the season unfolds.