Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers lost Friday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-111, but the final score doesn’t really matter this time of year.
But Paul George looking ready to play a starring role for his new team does matter.
George finished with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 8-of-15 from the field and 4-of-9 from deep in his preseason debut. He led the 76ers in scoring with Joel Embiid sitting out, although Tyrese Maxey also impressed with 21 points and two assists behind 7-of-14 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from deep.
Philadelphia took a chance on George this offseason in part because it believed he could thrive alongside Embiid and Maxey, and he did just that next to the guard Friday.
And social media had plenty of reaction:
Hoop Central @TheHoopCentral
Paul George tonight:
23 PTS – 6 REB – 53% FG
Tyrese Maxey tonight:
21 PTS – 50% FG – 4/7 3PM
This duo is going to be a problem. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mZjaTuSw2A
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey and Paul George were very effective in their run in the third quarter. It’s easy to see how well George can complement both Maxey and Joel Embiid on the offensive end. #Sixers
There was an element of risk for the 76ers when it came to signing George to a max deal this offseason. After all, he has played more than 56 games just one time in the last five seasons, which is concerning since Embiid has also dealt with injuries so often during his career.
Still, the team needed to add another impact option if it is going to compete with the likes of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and others in an Eastern Conference that is particularly deep with playoff threats.
George is a six-time All-NBA selection, nine-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive selection who can guard multiple positions, attack the basket off the bounce and hit from beyond the arc when defenses collapse on Embiid and Maxey.
The 76ers will need him to play up to his potential throughout the season if they are going to live up to expectations, and Friday’s preseason performance could be a hint at what’s to come.
