Paul George Shines as Celtics Dominate 76ers in NBA Recap

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Paul George Shines for Boston as Questions Follow Philadelphia

Paul George delivered 36 points against his former team, making six of his 11 three-point attempts. He has been excellent for the Boston Celtics this season and has emerged as an important part of their offense.

After the game, Joel Embiid called George Boston’s best player. While Jayson Tatum remains the team’s top option, George has settled into the second role and is receiving more shots, minutes and opportunities to establish an early rhythm.

George said the higher usage rate in Boston has agreed with him, while emphasizing that his comment was not a criticism of how Philadelphia used him. Joe Missoula has deployed him as a spot-up three-point shooter, and George is making 42% to 43% of his threes, which would be a career high.

Boston’s outside shooting created problems for Philadelphia. While the Sixers attacked the basket for two points, the Celtics repeatedly answered with threes. Boston made five threes in six possessions during one stretch, quickly turning a five-point advantage into a 12-point lead.

Maxi and Edgecombe played well, but the matchup showed how quickly Boston can extend a lead when its three-point shots are falling. The Sixers also face questions about how their personalities will respond if the team struggles or experiences a long losing streak.

George’s time in Philadelphia was not a good fit. He played about 80 games over two years, dealt with injuries and served a PED suspension. In Boston, his role, the organization, the coaching style and the front office appear to suit him. Brad Stevens wanted George and identified him as a better fit alongside Tatum than Jalen Brown.

George told Vince Carter after the game that he feels great and worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for the season. Although he has played only 10 games, his start suggests that he entered the year healthy, motivated and with something to prove.

Peyton Pritchard also praised Boston’s locker-room chemistry, saying the players want one another to succeed. He described a group that wants Tatum, George and everyone else to have their opportunities.

Those comments invite comparisons with last season, when Brown led the NBA in turnovers and publicly described the year without Tatum as his favorite because it was his team. Boston’s blown leads and crunch-time struggles raised questions about the previous team dynamic. This season, George’s production and the Celtics’ chemistry have helped create a more positive atmosphere.