Paul Georges made his pre-season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers Friday and delivered the kind of performance that got Sixers fans excited for the upcoming season.
George had 23 points to lead all scorers in the 121-111 defeat of the Sixers At Minnesota Timberwolves in Des Moines, Iowa. The nine-time All-Star shot 8 of 15 from the floor, including 4 of 9 on 3-pointers, and added six rebounds in 26 minutes. He did not play in the fourth quarter.
Tyrese Maxey added 21 for Philadelphia, followed by Kelly Oubre Jr. scoring 15. André Drummond grabbed 15 rebounds for the Sixers.
Joel Embiid did not play because of a “scheduled assessment” from his left knee, according to Sixers coach Nick Nurse.
George told reporters during Wednesday’s practice that his goals for Friday’s debut were to strengthen his fitness and his on-field relationships with his teammates.
“Just do a little conditioning,” George said, via Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Trying to really pump my lungs, run the floor, all the intangible things. I think the talent, it will leave its mark as the season goes on and we come out of preseason. More , I will be in my match But you have to follow (Maxey), run on the field, give him space.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 19 points, followed by 17 of Jaden McDaniels and 16 per Anthony Edwards. Donte DiVincenzo scored six points and seven rebounds in his first preseason game since joining the Timberwolves after being a part of the successful business involving Cities of Karl-Anthony with the New York Knicks.
(Towns scored 25 points with 12 rebounds in his pre-season debut for the Knicks on Wednesday.)
George joined the 76ers after signing a four-year maximum contract, worth $212 million in free agency, leaving the Los Angeles Clippers after five seasons. The addition of George to their star duo of Embiid and Maxey has raised championship expectations in Philadelphia, which views the Sixers as a challenger to the reigning NBA champion. Boston Celtics.
In his 15 NBA seasons, George averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 39% from 3-point range.
The 76ers kick off the NBA regular season on October 23 by hosting the Milwaukee Bucks.
