PHILADELPHIA – Paul George made his long-awaited return to the court Monday night, playing his first NBA game since March 4 and helping the Philadelphia 76ers rally for a 110-108 victory over his former team, the LA Clippers.
Coming off July surgery on his left knee, George logged 21 minutes on a strict minutes limit — starting each quarter and playing roughly five-minute bursts. He finished with 9 points (2-9 FG), 7 rebounds and knocked down the game’s first basket with a catch-and-shoot three just 47 seconds in.
“It felt great,” George said afterward. “Eight months is a long time. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of hiccups… but I felt good. Rusty, but I felt good.”
George was on the bench for the final 8:52 as Philadelphia erased a 14-point deficit. Tyrese Maxey carried the load with 39 points, though two late turnovers gave the Clippers life. James Harden missed two contested threes in the closing seconds — appearing to get hit on the arm on the first — to seal the win for the Sixers.
George, who signed a four-year, $212 million max deal with Philly in July 2024, played only 41 games last season and averaged a career-low 16.4 points amid various injuries. Monday marked the first step in what will be a gradual ramp-up.
Other 76ers Injury Notes
- Joel Embiid missed his fourth straight game (right knee soreness) but head coach Nick Nurse said he’s “getting better” and “not far away” from returning. Embiid is averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in six games.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) remained out after starting every game prior to Friday’s injury in Detroit. George took his spot in the starting five.
The win improved Philadelphia to 8-5 (7-4 in clutch situations) while the Clippers fell despite 28 points from Harden on a tough 7-25 shooting night.
